News

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Summer Music Program offers an exciting opportunity for all current 4th - 8th grade band and orchestra students and all current 6th - 8th grade choir students to continue practicing in an ensemble during the summer. Consistent, regular practice during the summer helps students to retain and reinforce concepts and skills that they have learned during the school year and helps them continue to learn and grow as young musicians.

Summer Band and Orchestra for current elementary students will run June 4 through June 29 at Sandburg Middle School. Rehearsals will be held Monday through Friday mornings. Each rehearsal is one hour. The final performances will be on Friday morning, June 29 at Sandburg Middle School.

Summer Band, Orchestra, and Choir for current middle school students will run June 4 – July 6 at York High School from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Band and Orchestra rehearsals will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Choir rehearsals will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings. There will be no rehearsals on July 3rd and 4th. The final performance will be on Friday, July 6 at York High School.

The registration fee for all levels is $92.00. The fee includes a Summer Music Program T shirt.

Middle School Summer Band and Orchestra students may also participate in Jazz Band at no additional cost.

Middle school students who register for summer band or orchestra may also enroll in choir at no additional cost.

The Dist. 205 Summer Music Program welcomes students who will be on vacation for some rehearsals and/or participate in other summer activities. Students who can only attend part of the summer program are still strongly encouraged to register and attend as often as they can! Students who practice during the summer are much more likely to experience continued success in band, orchestra, and choir. We strongly encourage your child to participate as much as they are able!

Please see the attached summer music program description for more detailed course information, rehearsal times, and registration options. If you have questions, please contact Brian Berg (bberg@elmhurst205.org) or your child's band or orchestra director.

Registration for the Dist. 205 Summer Music Program will open on Monday, March 19, 2018. You may register for the summer music program by using the Webstore at this link.The deadline for registration is Friday, May 4, 2018.

York Prom will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at the Crystal Gardens of Navy Pier in Chicago. Below is important information for students and parents.

This all-inclusive evening includes transportation to and from the Prom, a strolling dinner and dessert reception, soft drinks, and dancing at the Crystal Gardens. The cost of the Prom is $110. The Post Prom cruise aboard the Odyssey has been arranged by the PTSA. The optional cruise continues to be a very popular option and, once again, promises to complete a memorable night. Tickets for Post Prom are $35 per person for a total of $145.

Check-in will begin at 6 p.m. at the school. York High School does not permit the use of limousines to drop students off at school and students will be unable to attend if they use one. Bus service on a luxury coach will be provided and required to and from Navy Pier. The luxury coaches will leave York High School at 6:30 p.m. Prom will begin at 7:45 p.m. and end at 11:45 p.m. The Post Prom cruise boards at 12 a.m. and ends at 2:30 a.m. The Post Prom buses will return to York around 3:15 a.m. Buses for students not attending Post Prom will return around 12:30 a.m.

To purchase a Prom ticket, students must follow this procedure:

1. Fill out the Prom Ticket Request form (using their Elmhurst205 account) at bit.ly/yorkprom18 and obtain a confirmation number. Every student who plans to attend Prom must complete his/her own information form. (If you are bringing a non-York guest, you must complete the guest information).

2. Have the attached letter filled out and signed, and then present it at the time the ticket is purchased.

Seniors may purchase Tickets for the Prom & Post Prom from April 3rd through April 19th. At this time, seniors have the option to buy a ticket for one guest (who does not need to be a senior), but both tickets must be purchased at the same time. Juniors may purchase tickets from April 6th through April 19th. Payment is by cash,checks (payable to Beck’s Bookstore) or credit card. No tickets will be sold after Thursday, April 19th.Due to the capacity aboard the Odyssey Cruise ship, only the first 712 students will be able to attend. We have a capacity of 920 students at Prom.

Bus assignments are made at the time of ticket purchase. If you are wanting to be on a bus with your group, you must plan to purchase tickets at the same time. There will be no bus assignment switches made and students are not allowed to change bus assignments on their own.

If a junior or senior student is purchasing a ticket for a guest from another school, the guest and parent/guardian must complete and sign a separate Guest Request Form available in the Dean’s Office. York students must accompany their non-York guests at all times throughout the evening, including Post Prom.

The PTSA has generously agreed to help pay for the luxury buses to help keep the combined cost of Prom and Post Prom at $145 per person. If you need assistance with the cost of Prom, please have your senior student contact his/her counselor or social worker.

All school rules and conduct regarding alcohol, tobacco, vape pens, etc. will be enforced at this function and apply to the student and their guest (see Student Handbook for rules). Noncompliance with these rules will result in removal from the dance, and parents will be contacted to pick up their student. Any other disciplinary action will be applied and will be subject to additional consequences as deemed appropriate by the administration. The dress code is formal. Any student whose attire is deemed inappropriate by the administration will not be given a refund. Students are not permitted to bring large purses or bags on the bus, and all carry-on items will be subject to inspection.

Due to our binding contracts with Crystal Gardens, Coach USA, and the Odyssey cruise company, we will be unable to provide refunds for students who choose not to attend Prom or Post-Prom after April 19, 2018. Students may not sell their tickets to another student. Tickets must be purchased from the bookstore ONLY.

Based on the bestselling novel by Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting boasts a breath taking score, incredible story, and stunning dance. Over 100 York students are involved in this beautiful, uplifting, production, straight from Broadway. Come and celebrate what it means to truly live.

Tickets are available Wednesday, March 21 at 7am. Please secure your tickets quickly, as the York musicals sell fast. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Ticketpeak.com/yorkdrama

Members of the District 205 Community Advisory Team (CAT) have been chosen and notified. With more than 125 applicants for a 30-member committee, the selection process was extremely difficult. We are grateful that so many residents are willing to help D205 in this important work!

A rubric was used to make sure that every school was represented, along with as many stakeholder groups as possible. The number of members was expanded from 25 to 33. We will be seeking to engage the remaining 93 applicants in other meaningful ways as the journey continues.

CAT members will be asked to:

Ensure that messages and materials related to the MFP are clear and easy-to-understand

Help anticipate and provide representative community questions and concerns

Offer suggestions to make sure the District is using every opportunity to reach stakeholders

While the CAT will assist the D205 administration with crafting clear communications for the community, it will not make decisions regarding the draft plan, as all community feedback will carry equal value and weight. The District plans to offer many opportunities for parents, staff and the community to weigh in on the Master Facility Plan.

The first CAT planning meeting will be on Monday, March 19. Please note that this is not a public meeting.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Join us on Monday, March 19th from 7-9 PM in the York High School Commons to for the 5th annual PTSA Academic Boosters (AB) program, in conjunction with the York HS Counseling Department.

Geared for parents of York sophomores and juniors, Life After York Q&A is led by fellow York parents and former students who have experience with the college application process as well as other post high school plans. The evening is held in a "speed-date style" format, where parents move between topic tables every 20 minutes for up to five topics.

Topics that will run for all sessions are:

Creating and Finalizing the List

Applications

Essays

Scholarships

College Visits

Service Academies/ROTC/Intelligence Communities

Specialty Topics that will only run for a few sessions:

Single, In Transition and Divorced Parents

Highly Selective Colleges Universities

IEP's and 504's After York

Alternatives to Four-Year Colleges

Parents have the opportunity to gain practical tips from more experienced parents & former students on topics like applications, essays and scholarships. Please click this link to the PTSA Academic Boosters website for more information.

Nearly 50 organizations offered both employment and volunteer opportunities in the York Commons yesterday at the Teen Job & Volunteer Fair, sponsored by the Elmhurst Commission on Youth in partnership with District 205, the Elmhurst Park District, Elmhurst Public Library, YMCA, Elmhurst Junior Women’s Club and the Kiwanis of Elmhurst. Some 300 teens and pre-teens attended the 4th annual Fair.

Those who could not attend the Fair can access the booklet using the link below. The booklet lists vendors, contact information and minimum age requirements, along with other helpful information.

This semester, York High School's sophomore students will be participating in the Illinois Youth Survey, a statewide student survey on substance abuse and related issues. The survey was administered at York several years ago and continues to be offered free of charge to Illinois schools who choose to participate.

The benefits of participation include:

(1) obtaining data specific to York High School students that will allow administration, staff, and the community to effectively plan for programming that meets the needs of students at York; and

(2) contributing data to statewide health and social indicators, which will provide evidence of the needs of high school students throughout the state.

The survey is completely anonymous, and an individual student's participation is voluntary. Administration of the survey will not interrupt instructional time.

A notification letter was emailed to parents of 10th grade students on March 9, 2018. Additional information about the survey can be found on the attached flyer and at http://iys.cprd.illinois.edu.

What is a PLC? In District 205, PLCs play an important role in promoting student growth and building the capacity of our teachers. But what is a PLC and what is its function?

PLC stands for Professional Learning Community. PLCs are designed to ensure high levels of teacher collaboration focused on student learning. They can take many forms. Examples include ensuring that teachers of the same grade level or subject area, as well as instructional coaches, special education teachers and support staff, have time to analyze assessment data, share best practices for success, and plan for future learning.

PLC groups meeting during student late arrival days, institute days and also during the school day at various times throughout the week.

Watch the video below, and let our teachers show you how PLCs are utilized in D205 schools.

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Posted by: Kate Allt, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

On Tuesday, April 10th, York Community High School will be administering the SAT with writing to all juniors published by the CollegeBoard. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requires that this test is administered to all currently enrolled juniors and is required to graduate in the State of Illinois. Please note: if a junior student does not take this state administered SAT in April, that student will not be able to be designated as a senior per Illinois state regulations and will not be eligible for any privileges that go along with being designated a senior, including off campus or early graduation.

This test has been paid for by the state,​ and nothing additional needs to be completed in order to register your junior students. It is important that students are in their testing rooms, ready to test at 7:40 AM. Once testing begins, students will not be able to enter the testing area, and they will be required to take the exam on the make-up testing day, April 24th.

Before the April 10th test, York’s Counseling Department will be holding a pre-administration session with all junior students on Tuesday, April 3rd during 2nd period. During this session, students will bubble in portions of their answer booklets with their student information, and they will be given the opportunity to indicate 4 colleges to which they can send their SAT scores at no charge. We strongly encourage families to discuss this prior to April 3rd, so students are able to take advantage of this free service. SAT charges $12 per score to send to each college. We also encourage families to keep a list of these colleges so that the student can reference them in the fall of the senior year. Click here for considerations when deciding to report a score.

April 10th is a half day for freshman, sophomore, and junior students, but it is NOT a late arrival day​: we will begin testing at 7:40 AM, and students at all three grade levels, as well as students at the District 205 Transition Center will be dismissed at the conclusion of their exam at approximately 12:25 PM.​ While the junior students are testing on April 10th, our freshman and sophomore students will be participating in a career/college/life readiness day. Since Seniors have a non attendance day, w​e encourage seniors to spend this day visiting a college, university, or other post secondary program.

All bus routes will run at normal times in the morning, and will depart from York at 12:35 PM following the exams. A late bus will leave York at 6:15 after athletic practices; however, please note that there will NOT be a 4:30 bus on the 10th. Breakfast will be available for purchase before school, but there will be no lunch service on this testing day. Students testing with extended time will complete their exams on the following day.

Junior students will receive an email after spring break with their individual testing room assignment for the day and instructions regarding what to bring to the test (i.e. number 2 pencils, ID, calculator, snack etc.). Please help your student keep an eye out for this email and ask your student if they know their testing room assignment.

Thank you in advance for helping our students navigate spring testing, and we are looking forward to a strong finish as we enter the final stretch of the school year.

York Community High School's Math team competed this week at the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) regional competition held at Glenbard East High School. The team competed in the 4AA Division and took 1st place in the Region 9 competition, qualifying them to compete at State in May.

Attention Seniors: Herff Jones will deliver graduation announcements and senior products on Tuesday, March 6th, during lunch periods in the Commons. Bring your balance due to pick up your order. Personal checks will not be accepted for final payment. You may bring cash on delivery day or pay online at www.highschool.herffjones.com.

For more information please call Herff Jones at 815-756-4743. Extra announcements will be available for purchase.

On Thursday, March 15, from 7 to 8:30 PM, the Robert Crown Center for Health Education will sponsor Raising Healthy Teens in a Digital Age: Drug Abuse Prevention at the District 205 Administrative Center, 162 S. York (second floor). This presentation will outline the brain’s development related to decision making, share information on societal trends in drug use, explain skills to reduce use by our kids and explore ways to conversation action plan on a specific drug topic.

Additionally, this program will:

Identify what youth are seeing in regards to drug use, including current research, societal trends, and barriers to healthy choices

Describe why youth are vulnerable decision makers due to brain development

Develop skills on how to reduce the risk of youth drug use through healthy relationships and conversations

Identify drug abuse prevention resources

This program is being presented in conjunction with the District 205 Learning and Teaching Department.

The next all-district Student Late Arrival Day will be this Wednesday, February 28. Certified staff and administrators will be using this time to collaboratively review student data, discuss professional growth topics, problem solve, share best practices and continue the work of building a Professional Learning Community. In addition, Friday, March 2 will be a Teacher Institute Day with no school for students.

The Student Late Arrival instructional schedule for 2017-18 will be as follows:

AM Early Childhood – 9:45 AM to 11:55 AM

PM Early Childhood – 12:55 PM to 3:00 PM

AM Kindergarten – 9:45 AM to 11:55 AM

PM Kindergarten – 12:55 PM to 3:00 PM

Grades 1-5 – 9:45 AM to 3:00 PM

Middle School – 10:00 AM to 3:25 PM

High School – 9:25 AM to 3:06 PM

As always, supervised student arrival will begin 20 minutes prior to the above-listed start times. The 2017-18 School Calendar (which provides a one-page overview of this information), may be found on the District 205 calendar page.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

When: February 24, 3-5:30 PMWhere: York Community High SchoolWho: Any student, parent, staff member, community member or surrounding area 13 year old and up males and females. This event is great for family members, college students, current middle school or high school students! This workshop is geared towards anyone who is looking to learn to effectively protect themselves, students who have taken self defense at York, those who have not yet had the opportunity to take it, and those wanting to learn how to physically protect themselves.

You do NOT have to be an Elmhurst community member - everyone is welcome! Athletic attire is required (workout clothes/athletic shoes). This course will be taught by a 17 year police veteran, defensive tactics instructor, SWAT team members, KRAV Maga Defcon Instructor.

Bring a $25 check made payable to Jason Krueger and your signed waiver form on the day of the event. Click here for more information.

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Posted by: Kate Allt, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

York Community High School has named a total of 2,033 students to the first semester honor roll for the 2017-18 school year, based on their exemplary academic performance. Students achieving a 3.5 or higher are recognized with High Honors and students achieving 3.0 – 3.4999 grade point average are recognized with Honors. Please click on the link below to view the listing.

York Community High School will be celebrating its annual Fine Arts Week February 26-March 1. For over 30 years, Fine Arts Week has recognized the talents of York’s student musicians, dancers, actors, visual artists, singers, orators, poets and unique performance artists. In addition, several nationally and locally recognized artists and groups representing a wide variety of artistic endeavors host workshops that provide information and inspiration to the students.

This year’s Fine Arts Week community fundraising event will be held on Wednesday evening, February 28, at the new Brew Point Workshop located at 617 N York Rd @ Crestview. Modern Vices will be headlining the event, performing a live set with the Disciples of Rage and Sleeveless Jacket (both rock bands consisting of all York students). This event will be from 6pm-9pm and there will be a suggested donation of $5 at the door; all donations go toward funding for Fine Arts Week 2019.

One of the more popular attractions during Fine Arts Week is the Student Talent Show. York possesses such an eclectic mix of talent that there are four separate 50-minute segments. The Talent Show culminates with an evening Fine Arts Week Showcase open to the public on Thursday, March 1st at 7pm in York’s Merle E. Baker Auditorium. Tickets are $10, but admission is free for all District 205 students with a current student ID from York or any of the three D205 middle schools.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Middle and high school students are invited to attend the fourth annual Teen Job & Volunteer Fair, sponsored by the Elmhurst Commission on Youth and its partnering agencies – District 205, the Elmhurst Park District, Elmhurst Public Library, YMCA, Elmhurst Junior Women’s Club and the Kiwanis of Elmhurst. The Fair will be held in the York High School Commons, 355 E. St. Charles Road, on Wednesday, March 14 from 3 to 6 PM. There will be 40 different organizations participating. Students need not register to attend the Fair.

If your company or organization is interested in participating, Job Fair questions may be directed to Patty McKernan at Patricia@capitaltele.com; Volunteer Fair questions may be directed to Kim Brigman at brigmankb@yahoo.com.

Please know that Elmhurst District 205 will only contact parents and staff when schools are closed or there is a late start called. In general (excluding other emergency situations), if there is NO announcement by 5:45 AM via the following methods, schools are open: phone, email and SMS text message (if you’ve signed up for this feature) in both English and Spanish; the District 205 website (when in doubt, check it out); the District 205 Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ElmhurstD205; the D205 Twitter account -www.twitter.com/ElmhurstD205. If your phone number has recently changed, please contact your child(ren)’s school so that they can update that information in PowerSchool.

In general, District 205 will not close school on a forecast, i.e., the inclement weather must be real and present. In cases where the area is hit hard by snow, it might be possible to make a call in advance (usually in the evening of the day before). Most of the time, that decision must be made early in the morning, based on conditions that have presented themselves overnight.

Temperature is only one factor. Wind chill is also taken into account. Generally, when “real feel” temperatures are -30 degrees or colder, school will be cancelled for the sake of students who ride the bus or walk to school, as frost bite can occur quickly under such extreme conditions.

When District 205 determines that weather conditions or an emergency situation warrant an Emergency Late Start Schedule, families will be notified in the same manner they would be notified in the event of a school closing. Each family will receive a phone, email or text notice (if you've opted in) from our rapid notification system. More information about theEmergency Late Start Scheduleis available online.

On Emergency Late Start days, parents and staff are encouraged to monitor the District’s website for updates on the status of after-school activities. Information about York athletics would be posted on the York School webpage in the afternoon.

If an Emergency Late Start schedule is activated:

Classes will begin using the standard Student Late Arrival schedule

Buses will operate using the standard Student Late Arrival pick-up and drop-off times.

Parent should use the standard Student Late Arrival schedule for drop-off - 20 minutes prior to the start times below.

Emergency Late Start schedules are as follows (same as standard Student Late Arrival schedule):

Congratulations to York students who participated in the Family Career and Community Leaders of America regional competitions at College of Dupage on January 26th and February 2nd. FCCLA is a Career and Technical Student Organization that provides personal growth, leadership development, and career preparation opportunities for students in Family and Consumer Sciences education. Students developed presentations, demonstrated skills, and showcased knowledge in areas such as fashion, food production, children's literature, interior design, and professional careers. Students received individual awards based on their overall score. Additionally the “Most Outstanding” (MO) distinction was awarded to the student who had the most exemplary project/performance out of all the competitors in their competition category.

The following students received first place in their competition category:

The 22nd annual Elmhurst Student Chess Tournament will be held on Wednesday, March 7th, beginning at 6:00 PM in the York High School Commons, 355 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. Students will compete in the following six categories: 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6-8th grade and high school. Last year, over 250 students participated in the tournament.

All students who attend school in Elmhurst – public or private – are welcome to participate with the completion and submission of a signed permission slip and tournament fee of $3.00. All participants will receive a certificate; the top four in each category receive ribbons; and the tournament champions receive a trophy.

The annual Student Chess Tournament is organized by parent volunteers, many of whom coach chess clubs at their children’s schools. Contestants will compete within the rules, playing five timed matches each. Volunteer judging is performed by independent chess experts who are brought in for this event. Snacks and drinks will be donated and provided. Pizza will be sold during the tournament.

On Thursday, February 8, 2018, at 7:30 PM, the York Community High School Orchestras will present performances by the York Cadet, Concert and Symphony Orchestras conducted by Ray Ostwald. Junior flutist and concerto competition winner Lauren Hund will perform the first movement of the FluteConcerto No. 2 in D by Mozart. The Symphony Orchestra will also perform Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony, Carl Maria von Weber’s Overture to Der Freischütz and music from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean.

High school junior, Lauren Hund has been playing the flute for eight years. Studying with Dr. Jennie O. Brown, Lauren is involved in numerous ensembles including the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Philharmonic, Winds of Madness Woodwind Quintet, and the York Symphonic Band, and Symphony Orchestra. Lauren is a five-time Illinois Music Educator Association (ILMEA) District Band Selectee, and a 2017 Illinois Allstate Band selectee. Lauren has attended Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan where she performed in Masterclasses for Paula Robison, Mark Sparks (Principal Flutist of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra), and Judy Mendenhall (Principal Flutist of the American Ballet Theater Orchestra). This summer she plans to attend the Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute where she will further her studies on the baroque flute.

The concert is free and open to the public, in the Baker Auditorium at York High School.

The York High School Athletic Boosters' Annual Green Scene is Saturday, February 24, from 7 PM to midnightat Fitz’s Spare Keys in downtown Elmhurst. The Green Scene is a casual night of fun, friends, a silent auction, raffles, bowling with your favorite coach and pool. Auction items include York parking passes, graduation tickets with preferred parking for graduation, and two very special York Duke pop machines.

Ticket price includes entrance, light buffet and fun. Tickets are available for purchase at http://york.elmhurst205.org/yboosters. If you would like to contribute a silent auction item, please contact Dana Sidoryk at danasid@comcast.net. In 2016-2017, the Boosters gave over $80,000 to York HS Athletics. This volunteer organization has supported York students in every sport for over 35 years.

On Saturday, January 27 in Bloomington, the York High School Dance Team won the IHSA Class 3A State Title in Competitive Dance with a final score of 96.26. Kristen Baron has served as head coach of the team for three years; Alyssa Ortiz has served as assistant coach for two years. The team finished in 11th place two years ago and in 6th place last year. Members of the 2017-18 team include: Emma Bergl, Annemarie Carfagnini, Katherine Ciannella, Bella Del Medico, Amanda Gorski, Norah Haarstad, Emily Hiser, Iorii Rio, Katherine Larson, Mya Lawless, Alexandra Leonard, Nina Nicosia, Eloise Odorisio, Haley Pleva, Sofia SanFilippo, Lauren Simpson, Emily Ziccardi and Micaela Zomaya. Watch a video clip of their performance athttp://bit.ly/YorkDance.

Brecht-Festwill be York Drama’s winter production. At Brechtfest, students will stage and perform 8 different one-act plays by one of the most provocative and famous playwrights of the 20th century, Bertolt Brecht. Tickets for York’s Brechtfest went on sale to the public on January 18th. Seats are still available.

Performances will be the first weekend of February as follows:

Thursday, February 1st 7:30 PM

Friday, February 2nd 7:30 PM

Saturday, February 3rd 7:30 PM

Sunday, February 4th 2:00 PM

Tickets may be purchased online atwww.ticketpeak.com/yorkdrama.They are $10 each (adults/ seniors/ children) plus a small processing fee.York student tickets are free and can be picked up at Will Call table on the night of each performance with a valid student ID.Questions may be directed to:yorkdramatickets@gmail.com.

Tickets to the District 205 Foundation Gala are now sold out. Please consider supporting the Foundation's efforts by purchasing a ticket for the Golden Raffle with a chance to win your choice of three great trips. Information about the Golden Raffle is available at www.elmhurst205.org/2018Gala.

Following two years of thorough study and planning, on January 23, 2018, the D205 Board of Education voted 7-0 to ratify the program changes indicated for year two of the middle school reorganization. These changes are consistent with the Middle School Task Force (MSTF) recommendations presented to the Board on March 21, 2017, and take into account recent adjustments, based on additional community feedback.

Year two programming includes the following modifications:

Incorporate Band, Orchestra and Choir into the school day (phase-in).

Add Project Lead the Way (PLtW) to the middle school curriculum.

Make World Language a choice and ensure that students who take three years in middle school obtain Level III standing as a freshman and that students who take two years in middle school obtain Level II standing as a freshman.

Authorize the creation of semester elective course in the Unified Arts for eighth grade students.

The phase-in of Band/Orchestra/Choir is being implemented in response to feedback from parents at the Learning and Teaching Committee held on December 13 and at the PTA Council’s Forum on January 16, in order to ease the transition for our middle school students. Working with the department chairs, it was discussed that this should be a two-year roll out.

Dr. Henderson noted that music sectionals will continue at all grade levels during the day, as they currently take place. Any change would be to improve the efficiency and scheduling to minimize educational impact. They will, however, ALL take place during the day as they do now.

“One of the things we need to be mindful of are special education or Tier 3 reading students. Decisions need to be individualized based on each student’s needs. That is a team decision, which parents are a part of,” she said.

The PTA Council produced a handout entitled Review of Phase I and Phase II Middle School Recommendations, which provides a general overview and a breakdown of requirements by grade level. It is posted below.

Mark your calendars! You are invited to attend the 17th Annual Summer Recreation Open Housesponsored by the Elmhurst District 205 PTA. This is a FREE event open to all Elmhurst families and neighboring communities. Browse the tables of various organizations offering summer activities and camps for all ages and abilities. This open house will be held on Tuesday, February 6,from6-8 PMat York High School.

As we begin to move into our course selection process, we wanted to publish our course recommendation rubrics, so families can have as much information as they can before choosing courses at York High School in January 2018.

First, you’ll note that there is a middle school evaluation as a component in the course selection process on each rubric. We believe that the educators in our middle schools play a crucial role in helping us to understand our students beyond the quantifiables because we all know that how students learn, communicate, and react to challenges can be just as important as scores on a test.

Next, you’ll find that each course uses the PSAT 8/9 to help determine which course would be a good fit for each student. Not only does this help us with course recommendations for incoming students, it is the first step to help us make sure that our students continue to show academic progress from the PSAT 8/9 through the SAT during their junior year.

Finally, some of our courses have a placement test. We use classroom tests that are embedded in their D205 English, Math, and World Language courses to reduce student stress over the course selection process and to reduce classroom interruptions in their 8th grade classes. Students who currently attend private schools will be asked to take the English and Math placement tests in early December and World Language placement tests will take place in Spring 2018.

Below are the updated course selection rubrics, and they are organized by department--English, Math, Science, and World Languages:

On Wednesday, January 31, the Elmhurst Public Library will offer Google Classroom for Parents from 7 to 8:30 PM. Google Classroom is a tool often used by District 205 teachers for grades 3-12 to distribute and grade assignments. Come to this class to learn more about how your student uses Google Classroom in school. Details and registration are available at http://elmlib.org/googleclassroom.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

District 205 Foundation's 2018 Thiems Grant Application deadline is fast approaching. The application has been streamlined to make it less labor intensive to apply. District 205 teachers, students, administrators, parents or community members are eligible to apply. Requested programs, projects, or instructional resources should enhance the educational experience of students, be clearly in support of and help to deliver relevant curriculum, and, ideally, demonstrate creativity/innovation.

If interested in dancing in the York High School Dance Youth Camp, students K-8th can sign up now onthe York Athletic website. Youth dance camp will learn a dance per age level to perform at the high school basketball halftime performance. Dance at York’s halftime performance onJanuary 31 & February 2.

The statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey will be closing on January 31. Please help our schools achieve the 20% parent participation necessary to receive a report. The survey only takes about 10 minutes. To participate, visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois and select the appropriate survey to begin. Schools requiring more parent participation in order to meet the 20% minimum include: Churchville, Field, Fischer, Sandburg and York.

All survey results will be presented as a school-wide aggregate, and your school and school district will never receive individual-level data. For more information about the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, or to view previous years’ reports, please visit https://illinois.5-essentials.org. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact 5Essentials Client Services at 1-866-440-1874 or 5essentials@uchicago.edu.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

The D205 Foundation is proud to announce Jill Riecker as this year's “Friend of the Foundation.” Jill's 20-year dedication to volunteerism and tireless commitment to providing Elmhurst students across all levels with opportunities and experiences both in and outside of the classroom are unparalleled. Jill's award will be presented as part of the festivities at the Foundation Gala -Empowering Futures to be held on February 10 at The Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook.

This promises to be an amazing evening with the goal of raising funds that will enhance education and innovation in Elmhurst Public Schools. Tickets are $175. Space is limited. Table and sponsorship opportunities are still available. If you cannot attend the event, consider supporting the Foundations efforts by purchasing a ticket for the Golden Raffle with a chance to win your choice of three great trips. Information about Mrs. Riecker's contributions, Gala and Raffle details and tickets are available at www.elmhurst205.org/2018Gala.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Congratulations to Jacquelyn Discipio, Principal of Bryan Middle School, for being selected as the 2017-2018 Middle School Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association DuPage Region. Ms. Discipio was selected from a pool of nominees from throughout the DuPage County region. She was honored by the District 205 Board of Education at its January 9 meeting.

She was nominated by Elmhurst District 205 Superintendent Dr. David Moyer, who stated in his nomination that “Ms. Discipio has been asked to lead monumental and transformative change in a short period of time, examples of which include: a successful one-to-one personalized learning implementation utilizing Chromebooks in year one; implementation of a new English Language Arts curriculum and the addition of instructional coaches in year two; ongoing development of common assessments in all grade levels and content areas; and a major overhaul of the schedule to include dedicated time for interventions and enrichment and increased co-teaching for the 2017-18 school year.”

Ms. Discipio will be honored at the DuPage IPA’s annual Spring Student Recognition Breakfast on April 23. She will now be considered for a State award from among 20 nominees representing the other regions of the Illinois Principals Association. The state winners will be announced in the spring.

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Posted by: Kate Allt, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

There is no late arrival tomorrow, Wednesday, January 10. School will begin at the normal time of 7:40am. The next late arrive date for York High School is Wednesday, January 17 with school starting at 9:25am.

Legendary York Community High School Boys Cross Country coach, Joe Newton, died in the early morning of December 9 in Arizona. Mr. Newton was 87 when he retired at the conclusion of the 2016 season after 60 years of coaching. A celebration of his coaching career was held at York High School on November 6, 2016. To see an overview of his career, click on the link below. A memorial celebration is planned to honor Mr. Newton on Saturday, January 27, at 2 PM in the Commons of York Community High School.

During finals, only students who have been issued a parking pass are allowed to park on campus. Please make other arrangements for transportation during finals. Buses will be available for bus riders each day after the last final period. Thank you.

It’s hard to believe that we are already thinking about Thanksgiving, and you know what that means...final exams for semester one is on the horizon. Please see the final exam schedule below to help with your planning during the busy holiday season, and we hope everyone has a strong, productive end to the semester.

Wed.

Dec. 20th

Thurs.

Dec. 21st

Fri.

Dec. 22nd

7:40-9:10

(90 Mins)

Period 8

Period 3

Period 1

9:20-10:50

(90 Mins)

Period 7

Period 2

Period 4

11:00-11:50

(50 Mins)

LUNCH

LUNCH

Make Up

12:00-1:30

(90 Mins)

Period 6

Period 5

Make Up

Students should expect to have a Final Exam or Final Project in every class unless otherwise noted on the course syllabus. Finals count for up to 20% of the semester one grade.

Students must take exams during the regular exam period. No exams will be administered­ early; however, students who have three exams scheduled for one day may arrange to change one by contacting their counselor. Students should not ask their teacher to change an exam period.

Students are free to leave campus during times they do not have an exam. Study areas (Learning Commons and Math Lab) will be open if students have an open period and do not want to leave the building. The TMC will be open until 4:10 on all days for Make Up exams.

There will be a 10-minute passing period between consecutive exams.

Breakfast will be available from 7:00-9:00 on all three exam days. Lunch service will be available from 11:00 - 12:00 on Wednesday and Thursday. There will not be lunch service on Friday, December 22nd.

During finals, students in the TLS program and students who attend the Transition Center will meet for an instruction day from 7:40 to 1:30 on Wednesday and Thursday and from 7:40 to 11:00 on Friday.

Buses will run on regular schedules all three mornings. On Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, buses will depart at 1:40 with late buses departing at 3:30 and 4:30. On Friday, buses will depart at 11:00 with late buses departing at 1:45 and 4:30.

York High School’s ECO Club is collecting broken or old Italian mini lights, traditional rope lights, and LED lights from any holiday, along with extension and appliance cords, as well as computer cables. All may be dropped off in bins located in the lobbies of the “A” and “C” buildings at York. The program runs now through the end of January. All proceeds will benefit SCARCE,www.scarce.org. Contact ECO Club sponsor Bob Blaus for more information atbblaus@elmhurst205.org.

It’s time to crack open the books at Elmhurst Public Library! Meeting rooms are available for you and your classmates to review the semester’s work so you can ace those finals. Available Saturday, December 16 through Thursday, December 21.

Elmhurst District 205 is pleased to announce that 189 York Community High School students from the Class of 2018 have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars. This prestigious recognition, given annually by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), honors the academic achievements of over 19,000 high school students from across the state this year. They join the ranks of thousands of top Illinois students honored as State Scholars since the designation began in 1958.

Illinois State Scholars represent approximately the top ten percent of high school seniors from 738 high schools across the state. Illinois State Scholars possess strong academic potential and are chosen based on a combination of exemplary ACT or SAT test scores and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. High school guidance counselors work with ISAC to determine the winners.

York seniors named as Illinois State Scholars for 2018-19 are listed in the document linked below.

While this prestigious recognition does not include a monetary prize, recipients are encouraged to cite the honor on applications for college admission and scholarships, in addition to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. The FAFSA determines students’ eligibility for federal and state aid, including Illinois’ need-based Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant, as well as for many forms of aid offered through colleges.

Created in 1957, ISAC provides postsecondary students of all ages and backgrounds with resources and support to pursue higher education. ISAC offers free financial aid and college access events to assist students and families with the college-going process.

Students can also visit the ISAC Student Portal for college planning, financial aid and financial literacy information and free tools, as well as information on how to contact the ISACorps, a group of recent college graduates who act as near-peer mentors, for one-on-one assistance and mentoring.

Students can also get answers to their college-going and financial aid questions sent directly to their phones by signing up for ISAC College Q&A, ISAC’s free text messaging service. Visit the ISAC Student Portal for more information at www.isac.org/studentportal.

Congratulations to the 2017-18 Illinois Music Educators Association (I.L.M.E.A.) All-State Selectees from York:

Nick Agliata, Bassoon

Madeline Buckley, Composition

Grace Clarke, Alto Sax

Matt Dardick, Alto Sax (Jazz)

Emily Dow, Cello

Danielle Fite, Alto

Rylan Johnsen, Viola

Erin Lee, Soprano

Bailey Maguire, Alto

Lauren Makinney, Double Bass

Jacquelyn Meyer, Soprano

Chuck Miller, Tenor Sax

Sebastian Rohn, Tenor

Cece Stumpf, Trumpet

Tessa Vermeulen, Flute

These exceptional student musicians will join some of the finest high school musicians from the state of Illinois to perform in the All-State Band, Chorus and Orchestra at the 2018 Illinois Music Educators All State Convention Festival on January 24 – 27, 2018, in Peoria, Illinois.

Congratulations to the entire District 205 Music Faculty for their support of these outstanding young musicians!

The next all-district Student Late Arrival Day will be this Wednesday, December 6. Certified staff and administrators will be using this time to collaboratively review student data, discuss professional growth topics, problem solve, share best practices and continue the work of building a Professional Learning Community.

The Student Late Arrival instructional schedule for 2017-18 is as follows:

As always, supervised student arrival will begin 20 minutes prior to the above listed start times. The 2017-18 School Calendar (which provides a one-page overview of this information), may be found on the District 205 calendar page.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Looking for York Duke Apparel for holiday gifts? Here is your chance for easy shopping! The York Athletic Boosters are bringing the entire inventory of York Apparel to the lobby of Door 1 (Academic Wing) at York High School for easy shopping for you. No ID needed to shop the sale on this day only. It doesn’t get any easier than this to browse through everything the bookstore has available – traditional hoodies, sweats, T-shirts, quarter zips, cozy flannel pants, hats, gloves, socks, house flags and even Holiday ornaments. Great gifts for any age –current students or future Dukes. Wednesday December 13th from 11:00-2:30pm and 7-8:30pm. Please park in the bus lanes and enter Door #1, York Academic Building. Cash, Checks and Credit accepted. Questions - Christine @ CLjuneman@hotmail.com.

The District 205 Foundation's 2018 Thiems Grant Application is now available. In consideration of the demands on your time, the application has been streamlined to make it less labor intensive to apply. We encourage you to get creative, innovate and collaborate, and apply for programs or enhancements that will help you deliver curriculum and engage students. Applications that contain technology or media components must include a Technology Review form.

District 205 teachers, students, administrators, parents or community members are eligible to apply. Requested programs, projects, or instructional resources should enhance the educational experience of students, be clearly in support of and help to deliver relevant curriculum, and, ideally, demonstrate creativity/innovation.

Applications will be accepted beginning Friday, December 1, and are due on Monday, February 12, 2018. Please review the Thiems Grant Application Guidelines and contact Executive Director Lisa Fanelli at ext. 2770 or lfanelli@elmhurst205.org with questions.

Since 1990, educational grants totaling nearly $1.5 million have been awarded through the Thiems Grant Program.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

On Thursday, November 30, at 7:30 PM, the York Community High School Orchestras will present a Holiday Concert, including performances by the York Cadet, Concert and Symphony Orchestras conducted by Ray Ostwald. The orchestras will offer a mixture of classical and seasonal favorites. The concert will be in York’s Merle E. Baker Auditorium. Admission is free.

Senior bassoonist and concerto competition winner Nick Jack Agliata III will perform the third movement of Mozart’s Concerto for Bassoon. Other featured works include Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance No. 8, Johann Strauss Jr.’s Thunder and Lightning Polka, J. S. Bach’s “Contrapunctus No. 1” from The Art of Fugue as well as Baroque Christmas concertos by Arcangelo Corelli and Francesco Manfredini. Additional featured students include violinists Alex Boscov, Anita Wary, Adrian Zhuang, Elizabeth Yu, Maya Wlodarczyk, Dylan Mahoney and LiWen Hirt, along with cellists Gabby Mastro and Caitlin Forbes. Julian Wrobel and Alexandra Barishman will be featured on the harpsichord.

York Orchestra students will be collecting canned and non-perishable food items at the concert in the lobby to be donated to a local food pantry.

Attached is a photo of Nick Jack Agliata III, featured soloist and one of four Concerto Competition winners this year. Questions should be sent to Orchestra Director Ray Oswald at rostwald@elmhurst205.org.

Bio for Nick Jack Agliata III:

York High School senior Nick Jack Agliata III is the principal bassoon in the York Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra. He studies with the assistant principal bassoon of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Bill Buchman, and previously studied under Dianne Ryan. Nick has also played with the Protege Philharmonic, Chicago Youth Concert Orchestra, Chicago Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Symphonic Winds and his chamber ensemble, The Winds of Madness. As a sophomore and senior Nick was selected for the ILMEA District 1 Band, earning the principal chair this year. Next year, Nick will pursue a double major in bassoon performance and musicology at the University of Memphis focusing on early music performance and the study of both the German and French system bassoons. Nick is currently working to become an orchestral librarian and hopes to one day return to Chicago to work with an orchestra.

Elmhurst Police have three suspects in custody for investigation of burglary and auto theft that occurred in north Elmhurst. On Monday, November 27, 2017 at 5:00 AM, Elmhurst police officers responded to the area of 600 Fay for a report of a prowler in the garage. Responding officers observed two vehicles leaving the area and attempted to stop the cars. Both vehicles fled and struck a marked squad car in front of 429 West Ave., and the suspects fled the scene on foot. It has been learned that the vehicles were stolen from Villa Park & Elmhurst.

Elmhurst Police officers established a perimeter and with the assistance of surrounding police agencies began a systematic search of the area. The suspects were subsequently located at: 463 W. North Ave, North Ave & Ridgeland, and 400 block of West Ave. Police have recovered a loaded handgun from one of the suspects and are still looking for a fourth suspect who is believed to have left the area.

As a result, both Emerson Elementary and Churchville Middle School were operating under an emergency Late Start schedule this morning.

This investigation remains ongoing and at this point, it is believed that the suspects may have been entering unlocked cars and garages in order to steal items of value and cars with keys in the ignition.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Elmhurst Police at 630-530-3050.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Students, teachers and parents across Illinois have the opportunity to participate in the fourth annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey allows you and your child (in grades 4 through 12) to share thoughts on important elements of school effectiveness at your child’s school. It asks students about their experiences in school and parents about their experiences with their child’s school, giving school leaders critical input to help develop school improvement plans.

On behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois 5Essentials Survey will be administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are:

Effective Leaders

Collaborative Teachers

Involved Families

Supportive Environments

Ambitious Instruction

Prior research in more than 400 schools has shown that schools that were strong on at least three of these “5Essential” indicators were 10 times more likely to improve student learning gains in math and reading than those that were weak on three or more Essentials.

In March of 2018, reports will be sent to schools and districts that achieve the 20% participation threshold for parents and 50% threshold for students and staff. Data will also be included in the Illinois State School Report Card next fall.

Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child. Student participants will be required to log in using their student ID and birth date in order to complete the survey. Students’ identities will be completely confidential. Teachers or administrators will never see individual responses to survey questions and will only receive aggregated information, such as the total percentage of students who agree homework assignments help them learn the course material.

The parent survey takes about 10 minutes; the student survey takes about 25 minutes. To take the parent survey please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin. The Illinois 5Essentials Survey was scheduled to be conducted in November. The survey will be open through January 31, 2018. We hope you will participate.

The Rotary Club of Elmhurst convened at York Community High School on November 16 to officially launch a program aimed at early intervention for students at risk for or engaging in substance abuse. The event occurred following year-long discussions between members of the Elmhurst Rotary and York High School administrators about a partnership to combat substance use and increase adolescents’ social and emotional skills.

The program included a luncheon at La Brigade, York’s student-run restaurant; a presentation by Melissa Moore, York Assistant Principal for Student Services; and the official dedication of a student group space at York. Both the early intervention program and the group space furnishings were funded by a donation from Elmhurst Rotary. “After meetings with city officials and its own research on the opioid crisis, the Rotary Club of Elmhurst wanted to make a difference in our own community by donating $10,000 to the plan developed by District 205 and York High School,” said Rob Kopecky, President of Rotary Club of Elmhurst.

The intervention program will allow students to be referred for an assessment conducted by a provider from Rosecrance Health Network. The results would be used to determine a student’s need for treatment and recommendations for level of care. While there is no cost associated with the assessment, the Rotary Club of Elmhurst has provided funding for York High School to offer an on-site counseling group as one of the potential intervention recommendations. The group will be co-facilitated by Matt Quinn, of Rosecrance Health Network, and Bonnie Salvo, York High School Social Worker, both of whom were in attendance at the November 16 event.

The day concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and opportunity for members of the Rotary Club of Elmhurst to view the new group space at York, which will be used for students to meet with members of the York Student Services department. The groups will serve a variety of purposes aimed at supporting students’ social-emotional well-being, ranging from managing stress and anxiety to dealing with anger or navigating common high school experiences. The group space will also be used for the substance abuse counseling program.

Greg St. Laurent (second from left) presents a Rotary International plaque to Dr. David Moyer (far left), Melissa Moore, and Erin DeLuga (far right) during the dedication of the group space at York High School on November 16, 2017.

On Thursday, November 30, 2017, at 7:30 PM, the York Community High School Orchestras will present a Holiday Concert, including performances by the York Cadet, Concert and Symphony Orchestras conducted by Ray Ostwald. The orchestras will offer a mixture of classical and seasonal favorites. Senior bassoonist and concerto competition winner Nick Jack Agliata III will perform the third movement of Mozart’s Concerto for Bassoon. Other featured works include Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance No. 8, Johann Strauss Jr’s Thunder and Lightning Polka, J. S. Bach’s “Contrapunctus No. 1” from The Art of Fugue as well as Baroque Christmas concertos by Arcangelo Corelli and Francesco Manfredini. Additional featured students include violinists Alex Boscov, Anita Wary, Adrian Zhuang, Elizabeth Yu, Maya Wlodarczyk, Dylan Mahoney and LiWen Hirt, along with cellists Gabby Mastro and Caitlin Forbes. Julian Wrobel and Alexandra Barishman will be featured on the harpsichord.

The concert will be in York’s Merle E. Baker Auditorium. Admission is free however York Orchestra students will be collecting canned and non-perishable food items at the concert in the lobby to be donated to a local food pantry.

Senior Nick Jack Agliata IIIis the principal bassoon in the York Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra. He studies with the assistant principal bassoon of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Bill Buchman, and previously studied under Dianne Ryan. Nick has also played with the Protege Philharmonic, Chicago Youth Concert Orchestra, Chicago Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Symphonic Winds and his chamber ensemble, The Winds of Madness. As a sophomore and senior Nick was selected for the ILMEA District 1 Band, earning the principal chair this year. Next year, Nick will pursue a double major in bassoon performance and musicology at the University of Memphis focusing on early music performance and the study of both the German and French system bassoons. Nick is currently working to become an orchestral librarian and hopes to one day return to Chicago to work with an orchestra.

With a little snow in the air recently, it’s time to think about school closing guidelines. In the case of inclement weather, Elmhurst District 205 will only contact parents and staff when schools are closed. IF there is no announcement by5:45 AMvia the following methods, schools are open: phone, email and SMS text message (if you’ve signed up for this feature) in both English and Spanish; the District 205 website -www.elmhurst205.org(when in doubt, check it out); the District 205 Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ElmhurstD205; the District 205 Twitter account -www.twitter.com/ElmhurstD205.

Additionally, when a decision to close school has been made, you may call the District 205 Center to hear a recorded message:(630) 617-2505for English and(630) 617-2506for Spanish and/ or you may visit the Emergency Closing Center website -www.emergencyclosings.com(District 205 schools are listed alphabetically as DIST #205 (ELMHURST PUBLIC SCHOOLS).

In general, District 205 will not close school on a forecast, i.e., the inclement weather must be real and present. In cases where the area is hit hard by snow, it might be possible to make a call in advance (usually in the evening of the day before). Most of the time, the decision must be made early in the morning, based on conditions that have presented themselves overnight.

Temperature is only one factor. Wind chill is also taken into account. Generally, when “real feel” temperatures are -30 degrees or colder, school will be cancelled for the sake of students who ride the bus or walk to school, as frost bite can occur quickly under such extreme conditions.

All District 205 students and families are invited to help fill holiday food boxes by bringing their donations to their local school fromOctober 23-November 17. There will also be collection bins at the Elmhurst Public Library, the YMCA and Park District locations. The donations will then be picked up and moved to the Elmhurst Public Works Garage, where they will be sorted and boxed for distribution in December.

The United Community Concerns Association gives assistance to Elmhurst school children and their families, providing food baskets and food certificates at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Last year UCCA assisted over 300 families throughout the holidays. Please see therelated flyerposted on the D205Virtual Backpack page.

Sip, shop and support the York PTSA during a special evening of shopping at Kie & Kate Couture, a women and children's boutique featuring clothing, jewelry, handbags, accessories, gifts, and home decor located at559 Spring Roadin Elmhurst. On Thursday, November 16 from 7 to 10 PM, Kie & Kate are generously offering shoppers 10% off their purchases and donating another 10% to the PTSA. Beverages and snacks will be served. Please help us spread the word! All are welcome.

Duke and Future Duke Parents - Get some holiday shopping off your to-do list with the York Athletic Boosters Holiday Sale! The Athletic Boosters are taking special orders for several York Spirit items, just in times for the holidays and ONLY available through this holiday sale. Visit the online order site https://agpeservices.com/estore/PSWEAR/York/Spiritwear at or visit the York High School Athletic Boosters page at york.elmhurst205.org/yboosters and check out these items that will not be stocked at the bookstore. New fleece joggers, full zip tech sweatshirt and a festive York Duke tree ornament as well as a personalized fleece blanket and letterman’s sweatshirt jacket are available. ORDERS MUST BE COMPLETED BY NOVEMBER 19th-NO LATE ORDERS CAN BE ACCEPTED. Pick up will be conveniently at York High School in the lobby at Door #1 of the Academic Building on December 13th from 11-2:30 and 7-8:30pm. On the pick-up date, we will also have our entire regular inventory of items available for sale, such as our classic York Green or Black Hoodie, PomPom hats, Duke socks, Flannel Pants and T-shirts. York Apparel makes great gifts for students in every grade!

The fifth all-district Student Late Arrival Day will be this Wednesday, November 8. Certified staff and administrators will be using this time to collaboratively review student data, discuss professional growth topics, problem solve, share best practices and continue the work of building a Professional Learning Community.

The Student Late Arrival instructional schedule for 2017-18 will be as follows:

As always, supervised student arrival will begin 20 minutes prior to the above listed start times. The 2017-18 School Calendar (which provides a one-page overview of this information), may be found on the District 205 calendar page.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

York Community High School will be holding its 7th annual all-school Veterans’ Day assembly on Friday, November 10. Any interested U.S. veterans, as well as current servicemen and women, are invited to come and be honored in York’s Campbell Gym. The assembly begins at 8am and will include speeches from selected veterans, as well as York students and administrators. Veterans are encouraged to arrive at 7:15am for coffee, pastries and bagels in the Yorker Room, (please enter through main door #3).

On Saturday, November 11, members of the York Student Council will serve a free breakfast to American veterans and their families/friends from 9 to 11am in the school cafeteria. Please contact York Student Council Advisor Matt Moran if you are interested in attending the assembly, the breakfast or both. Let him know how many people will be attending each event by sending an email to mmoran@elmhurst205.org or calling 630-617-2400, ext. 7285 and leaving a message.

Herff Jones will deliver class rings and letter jackets on Tuesday, November 7th during lunch periods in the Commons. Bring your balance due to pick up your product. Personal checks will not be accepted for final payment. You may bring cash, money order or credit card. You may also pay online at: www.herffjonesil.com

If you still need to order your class ring or letter jacket, please see Herff Jones during lunch periods on Tuesday, November 7th. Class ring packets are available in Student Services. For more information please call Herff Jones at 815-756-4743 or visit us online.

Tickets to York Drama's Fall Festival are still on sale! We are very excited to bring two innovative performances to the stage this weekend! Tickets are available online at www.ticketpeak.com/yorkdrama. Show times and information are included below.

The Children's Hour is a groundbreaking drama exploring the power of the spoken word. When a young girl starts a rumor about her teachers, lies compound, lives unravel, and truths are revealed. In today's world of social media and political volatility, Lillian Hellman's work is more relevant than the day it was written.

Next to Normal is true contemporary musical theatre; exploring how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, Next to Normal was also chosen as "one of the year's ten best shows" by critics around the country, including The Los AngelesTimes, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone and The New York Times.

Here are the exact dates and times:

Thursday, October 26thThe Children's Hour7:30pm

Friday, October 27thNext to Normal 7:30pm

Saturday, October 28thThe Children's Hour7:30pm

Sunday, October 29thNext to Normal 2:00pm

Tickets are $10 each (Adults/ Seniors/ Children) plus a small processing fee. These performances are not recommended for children under 13.

Special note regarding York Student Tickets for the Fall Festival - York student tickets are free to The Children's Hour and will be available at the door with a student ID. Student tickets to Next to Normal will be $10 and can be purchased online or at the door.

District 205’s Social Work Department presents "Well-parented Kids: 10 Anchors for Building Strong Families." This free program for parents will be held on Tuesday, October 24, from 12:30-2:30 PM in the Sandburg Middle School Auditorium. This presentation will identify the key elements of effective parent-child relationships including setting communication norms, modeling values, sponsoring constructive conflict resolution, maintaining respect and trust, facilitating growth, teaching coping skills and navigating change. Presenters are Katie McDougall, LCSW and Steve Ritter, LCSW. No reservations are needed. Please enter through door 2, in the auditorium. Parking is available in the back of the school, just be alert for students.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

The City of Elmhurst's Commission on Youth welcomes Brent Sopel, former Chicago Blackhawk Stanley Cup champion, on Wednesday, October 25th, beginning at 7:00 PM in York High School's Campbell Gym. His presentation is most appropriate for students 6th grade and up.

A champion of causes, Brent fearlessly defends underdogs of all walks of life. He is no longer hiding “behind the stick” as he reveals his own hidden challenges. Winners and champions aren’t those without struggles; they are the people that overcome them.

The battles Brent fought on the ice left visible scars, but the invisible wounds he suffered cut deeper. Brent's personal story has directed him toward a path of advocating for others who are struggling with similar obstacles. As a result, Brent’s mission is to be:

A champion for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Awareness

A champion for Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery

A champion for Youth Training and Mentoring

Email youthcommission630@gmail.com for more information or with any questions. Special thanks go to Rosecrance in their help sponsoring this event. They will lead a Q&A following Mr. Sopel's presentation that evening.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

The purchase of an outdoor or beautiful indoor tree will benefit Elmhurst 205 schools and students long after the holiday is over. This pre-order fundraising sale supports the long-standing Elmhurst tradition of beautifully lit streets that line our neighborhoods during the holiday season. Trees can be purchased as part of a neighborhood group scheduled for delivery on November 25th, or ordered individually and picked up (or delivered for a $20 fee) on December 2nd.

The District 205 Foundation website contains all the tools you will need to be a tree captain for your block or to purchase a tree. Visit www.elmhurst205.org/HolidayTrees for more information or to place an order. Orders are due by Friday, October 27th.

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Posted by: Kate Allt, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

More than 3,000 students from over 75 schools throughout Northeastern Illinois auditioned for the honor of being chosen for the All-District band, chorus, orchestra and jazz band. The selected York Community High School student musicians will perform at the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) All-District Music Festivals this November. ILMEA’s District I Jazz Festival will be Saturday, November 11, at Thornton Fractional South High School, located at 18500 Burnham Ave in Lansing, IL. The ILMEA District I Band, Chorus and Orchestra Music Festival will be Saturday, November 18, at Elmhurst College, located at 190 S Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL.

The Illinois Music Educator Association All-District I selectees from York Community High School are:

Did you know that donating blood just one time can save up to three lives? York’s first blood drive of the year will be held this upcoming Thursday, October 19th, in the South Gym. Students ages 16 and older are encouraged to donate! Sign up using the attached google form, and be sure to have the permission slip signed in pen on the day of the drive.

The second “Coffee With the Superintendent” of the school year will be held on Monday, October 16 at Bryan Middle School, 111 W. Butterfield Road, Elmhurst, beginning at 10:00 AM. Come meet with Dr. David Moyer in an informal setting. This year’s coffee opportunities are again being organized by the PTA Council and are open to any interested District 205 parent or community resident. The remaining dates/times for 2017-18 are: January 16, 1:30 PM - York; February 21, 1:30 PM - Jackson; and April 26, 10:00 AM - Lincoln.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

The York Performing Arts Department is proud to present “From the Mainland to the Islands” featuring York alum Paul McDermand with a special performance by the York High School Jazz Ensemble on Tuesday evening, October 10, at 7:30 pm in the Merle E. Baker Auditorium. Tickets are $10.00 for adults (general seating) and children 18 and under are free! Click on the following link to purchase tickets www.ticketpeak.com/yorkdrama

Steel drum and marimba artist Paul McDermand, York Class of 1974, has appeared with some of the biggest names in music including Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash, Natalie Cole and the Moody Blues. Paul is surrounded by an all-star rhythm section culled from the stages of Stevie Nicks, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lyle Lovett and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. See a video clip at http://bit.ly/ElmhurstD205McDermand

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Posted by: Kate Allt, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

We are pleased to announce that York High School will be offering the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test on Saturday, October 28th from 7:45-11:30 AM and again in June 2018. The ASVAB is the most widely-used multiple choice aptitude test battery in the world: it measures development abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success. Test registration is available to any York student in grades 10-12.

The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is a comprehensive program that is offered at no cost, with NO COMMITMENT to the armed forces, and is designed to help young people align their strengths and interests with career planning. The program explores the following areas: General Science, Word Knowledge, Mathematics, Mechanical comprehension, Arithmetic reasoning, Paragraph comprehension, Electronic information, Assembling objects, and Shop information.

The exam results will be mailed directly to students and to York High School, and a follow up career workshop will be offered on a future date following the test administration. To register for the October 28, 2017 exam, please complete this form; you will receive a confirmation email with test day instructions before the exam.

Erin’s Law, House Bill 6193, became Illinois law in 2013. This legislation requires schools to teach age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention for grades Pre-K through 12. In Elmhurst, we already have personal safety built into many grade levels’ health education curriculum. Beginning two years ago, after reviewing the requirements of the new legislation, we recognized that our students could benefit from additional information and strategies in order to consider past events and prevent future encounters. Our curriculum was enhanced at each grade level to cover the following:

Distinguishing different types of touch

Saying “NO”

It’s not the child’s fault if someone touches him or her

Identifying and telling a trusted adult

Again this year, an award-winning non-profit group, Imagination Theater, will deliver age-appropriate experiences for our students in 1st through 8th grade. Information about their program, called “No Secrets,” may be found by visiting www.imaginationtheater.org. A schedule of all elementary and middle school student assemblies can be found below.

Our school social workers will visit all of the Early Childhood and Kindergarten classrooms, as they did last year, to share age-appropriate read-alouds with students as a part of the Personal Safety Unit that is already in place at our schools.

York High School will be bringing in presenters from Elmhurst Hospital, as well as addressing the topic in multiple courses.

On Tuesday September 26, York Community High School’s entire sophomore class explored First Amendment rights as part of a day-long, interdisciplinary forum that centered on banned books, music, social media and the American flag. Examples were chosen based on their relevance to teenagers.

One First Amendment case involved re-creating a 1989 installation by Chicago artist Dread Scott, who was later part of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision protecting the right to free speech. Unlike the Scott example, York’s display was created to ensure the flag was not stepped on or defaced in any way. The goal was to create an authentic learning environment, and we are continuing to learn from this experience.

We ask our students to think critically about issues relevant to them and our society. At the same time, we understand that this demonstration caused some angst in the larger community and for that we deeply apologize.

York Principal Erin DeLuga shared the following information with families yesterday:

The purpose of the forum was to explore the complexities of the constitutionally protected right of free speech by examining real cases and encourage students to think critically about issues relevant to them and our society.

One of the cases was a recreation of Dread Scott's "What is the proper way to display a U.S. Flag?" The Scott installation featured the flag on the ground. The York display did not intend to disrespect the flag, the military, or the government; rather, it was used for students to reconcile their feelings about current issues and whether their 1st Amendment rights are protected.

Two of the students folded the flag and turned it over to a representative from the Elmhurst American Legion to ensure that it would be retired respectfully in accordance with proper flag etiquette.

We have these conversations in the school environment to foster greater dialogue when our students are in the community.

Yesterday afternoon and throughout the day today, York administrators have met with students to provide them with an opportunity to express their perspectives. Through these conversations, feedback has been gathered on how the administration and staff can ensure that all students' voices are represented through productive and respectful discourse going forward.

Our staff and students will learn from this week's lesson, and we will make changes to this forum in the future to ensure we do not disrespect the flag.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Twenty-two members of the York Community High School Class of 2018 have been named National Merit Commended Students, as announced by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The NMSC recently revealed the names of approximately 34,000 Commended Students in the 2018 National Merit Program.

Commended Students placed among the top five percent nationally of those tested. A letter of commendation from the NMSC is presented to each of these outstanding students by York High School Principal Erin DeLuga.

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Posted by: Debbie Hollstein, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recently announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 63rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Among them are seniors Hannah Cronin, Matthew Dardick, Linnea Dierksheide, Courtney Jopes, Carina Kanzler, Luke Rozmus, Anshul Shah, Katherine Tomaska and Christopher Ziebert representing York Community High School. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million to be offered next spring.

To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2018 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join more than 330,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.

Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 420 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

York's newly named NMSC Semifinalists are pictured in alphabetical order from left to right below:

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

The York Performing Arts Department is proud to present “From the Mainland to the Islands” featuring York alum Paul McDermand with a special performance by the York High School Jazz Ensemble on Tuesday evening, October 10, at 7:30 pm in the Merle E. Baker Auditorium. Tickets are $10.00 for adults (general seating) and children 18 and under are free! Click on the link to purchase tickets! www.ticketpeak.com/yorkdrama

Steel drum and marimba artist Paul McDermand has appeared with some of the biggest names in music including Tony Bennett, Johnny Cash, Natalie Cole and the Moody Blues. Paul is surrounded by an all-star rhythm section culled from the stages of Stevie Nicks, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lyle Lovett and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The first “Coffee With the Superintendent” will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Hawthorne School, 145 Arthur Street, Elmhurst, beginning at 1:30 PM. Come meet with Dr. David Moyer in an informal setting. This year’s coffee opportunities are again being organized by the PTA Council and are open to any interested District 205 parent or community resident. The remaining dates/times for 2017-18 are: October 16, 10 AM - Bryan; January 16, 1:30 PM - York; February 21, 1:30 PM - Jackson; and April 26, 10:00 AM - Lincoln.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

It’s hard to believe that just over 4 weeks into the 2017-18 school year, we are looking forward to the course selection process for our current 8th grade class--the Class of 2022. As you may be aware, our district is no longer using the EXPLORE--a standardized test that both helped monitor students’ growth from the EXPLORE in 8th grade through the ACT during their junior year and assisted in the course selection process; instead, we have moved to the PSAT 8/9, which will allow us to monitor students’ growth from PSAT 8/9 in 8th grade through the SAT their junior year and to help in this year’s course selection process.

Current 8th grade students in District 205 will take the PSAT 8/9 on Wednesday, October 4th, at their respective middle schools.

Current Elmhurst residents who attend 8th grade in local private schools have the opportunity to take the PSAT 8/9 on Saturday, October 14th, at York High School. For private school students who cannot attend on the 14th, a makeup date has been scheduled for the following Saturday, October 21st.

If your private school student attends Immaculate Conception, Immanuel Lutheran, or Visitation, you will be receiving a mailing from us, asking for you to confirm the information we have for your student and to indicate which test date your student will attend.

Since we needed to make a change with the standardized test, it was a great opportunity to make other adjustments to our course selection process, and we hope they will reduce student stress over the course selection process and will reduce classroom interruptions in their 8th grade classes. These course selection rubrics--English, Math, Science, and World Languages--will be published in the next few weeks.

We cannot wait to meet the Class of 2022 at our 8th Grade Academic & Activity Night on Tuesday, January 30th. This is a great night that allows you to hear more information about the course selection process at York, and it allows our future Dukes to see all of the amazing clubs, sports, and activities that await them in the halls and on the fields at York High School.

Homecoming dance will take place on Saturday, September 23 from 7-10 pm in the York Fieldhouse. Tickets will go on sale in the bookstore on Wednesday, September 13. Tickets are $21 at the bookstore, $26 at the door ($1 from each ticket will go to Hurricane Harvey relief). Students may attend with a date or with a group of friends. Attire is semi-formal, students who are denied entry due to inappropriate attire will NOT be given a refund. Entrance to the dance will end at 8 pm.

Please plan to join us on Monday, September 18 at 7 PM in the York High School Commons, when Superintendent Dr. David Moyer will present a State of the Schools address, along with brief reports from the Learning & Teaching Department, principals, instructional coaches and teachers. Entertainment provided by York High School musicians. Come celebrate student and staff achievements, share our District goals for 2017-18 and talk about plans for Focus 205 Phase II.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

District 205’s three middle school student councils are fundraising to support the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Nearly 50 Houston Independent School District (HISD) schools have been flooded to some degree, other schools are being used as shelters, and a growing number of students and families have left their homes behind.

There are three ways you can help students in Houston:

1. HISD has an immediate need for children’s clothes of all sizes (clean and in reasonably good repair) and school supplies. Please bring donations to Bryan, Churchville or Sandburg and we will send them to Houston for you. If you prefer to send items directly, they can be forwarded to: HISD Harvey Recovery, ℅ Delman Stadium, 2020 Mangum, Houston, TX 77092

2. Drop off a monetary donation of any amount and we will forward funds to the Houston Independent School District Foundation.

3. The HISD Foundation has set up a special to provide assistance to their students and families. To read more about their effort and/or make an online donation, please visit www.houstonisd.org/Page/164281

Please plan to join us onMonday, September 18 at 7 PMin the York High School Commons, when Superintendent Dr. David Moyer will present his State of the Schools address. Come join us as we celebrate student and staff achievements, share our District goals for 2017-18 and talk about plans for Focus 205 Phase II.

The firstall-district Student Late Arrival Dayis nextWednesday, August 30. Certified staff and administrators will be using this time to collaboratively review student data, discuss professional growth topics, problem solve, share best practices and continue the work of building a Professional Learning Community.

The Student Late Arrival instructional schedule for 2017-18 will be as follows:

AM Early Childhood – 9:45 AM to 11:55 AM

PM Early Childhood – 12:55 PM to 3:00 PM

AM Kindergarten – 9:45 AM to 11:55 AM

PM Kindergarten – 12:55 PM to 3:00 PM

Grades 1-5 – 9:45 AM to 3:00 PM

Middle School – 10:00 AM to 3:25 PM

High School – 9:25 AM to 3:06 PM

As always, supervised student arrival will begin 20 minutes prior to the above listed start times. The 2017-17 School Calendar (which provides a one-page overview of this information), may be found on theDistrict 205 calendar page.

We hope the first two weeks back have been a success! Here are a few reminders for upcoming events.

Open House will be Thursday, August 31st at 7:00 PM. Please remember to bring a copy of your student’s schedule that night: you may want to consider snapping a photo of it, so you can easily carry it on your phone. PE classes will meet in three areas listed on the attachment. I will send another reminder to bring your child's schedule next week.

Attention: Best Buddies has arrived at York High School! Please join us on Monday, September 11th at 6pm in the Auditorium for a Family Information Night to learn more about how your child can get involved. The Best Buddies Friendship Program builds one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded. Best Buddies provides the opportunity for people with IDD to form meaningful connections with their peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and share interests, experiences and activities with other students from their school. If you have any questions before the meeting, please contact Amy Burton or Samantha French at York High School.

First Home Football Game: come on out and support your York Dukes Football program on Friday verse Addison Trail! We have a zero tolerance policy in regards to drugs and alcohol at all of our events. Please remind your students to make smart decisions.

The College of DuPage Food Truck Rally & Sunset 5K has something for everyone: great food, a fun 5K, kid’s 100-yard dash and, new this year, an opportunity to fund a scholarship for York Community High School graduates attending COD. Sign up for the 5KSaturday, September 23, from2 to 7:30 PM(race starts at5 PM) and your registration fee will support a dedicated scholarship for a Duke at COD.

To register, visitwww.cod.edu/5K. While you are there, check out the stellar lineup of outrageous food trucks. No need to register for a race to enjoy diverse cuisine from 18 phenomenal food trucks. Bring your family and friends! COD is located at 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

With the start of the school year upon us, I would like to remind everyone about our drop off procedures. We want all of our students to be safe traveling to and from school every day, so please continue to remind your children to stay inside the crosswalks when crossing streets in addition to looking both ways.

Main Entrance
Students should only be dropped off in the circle drive of the building. They should not be dropped off inside the parking lot areas or in the road ways of the school. When you are driving in the school zone, please make sure that you are obeying all traffic signs and the speed limit as well as not using your cell phone. After 7:40am, all students will need to enter through the main academic doors by the flag pole (door 1).

North Entrance (Elm Park)
Students should only be dropped off inside the circle drive by the aquatics entrance. Students should not be dropped off on the north lane of Elm Park. This causes serious safety concerns and traffic pattern problems in this area. Again, the safety of our students is of the utmost importance. This entrance will be closed after 7:40am until 3:06pm.

Student Parking
Please remember that students who do not have a parking sticker are NOT allowed to park on campus. Students who are parking in staff lots will be subjected to school issued discipline such as dean referrals and loss of senior off campus privileges.

Lunches
Please remember that students are not permitted to order food to be delivered to campus. If a parent needs to drop off a lunch to students, it should be from home and not a restaurant.

We have over 2,800 students this year at York, and our traffic congestion at York is much heavier than in past years. While we provide 20 bus routes for students to be transported to and from school, we also have multiple bike racks for students to park their bikes. Please remind your students to be careful while riding their bike near campus and they should be walking them once they are on the school sidewalks.

Please encourage your students to carpool or use other modes of transportation to alleviate the traffic congestion around the school in the morning.

Starting Monday, August 21st, families will be receiving automated phone calls when your student is marked unexcused for a class. Please make sure that you are calling the attendance line (630-617-2444) to communicate any student absences in advance.

Thank you for working with us to ensure that our students are safe while here in the building as well as entering and exiting each day.

Below are the dates in which 8th grade parochial students, who are residents of District 205, may shadow a current York student for the entire school day. We will allow up to 30 students per date on a first come, first served basis. Students will be assigned to shadow a York Ambassador. Ambassadors are trained to host students and acquaint them with many aspects of York High School. To request that your child can attend one of the dates, please click the link to sign up.

Our parent organizations are essential to the success that we as a high school are able to achieve in the classroom, on the stage, on our athletic field or gym, and inside our community as a whole. We rely on these groups to provide our school community with various types of support, and we hope that you will take a few minutes to consider supporting these groups. Please direct any questions to the appropriate organizations.

York Administration

York PTSA

(Parent Teacher Student Association) is an independent, non-profit, volunteer-run organization and a part of the PTA umbrella that has supported our students through their time in Elmhurst District 205 public schools. PTSA at York promotes the welfare of all York students and the York community. Following is a sample of what we do:

The District 205 Foundation raises and distributes funds that provide additional resources, enriches curriculum and furthers innovation at York. Since 2015 alone, more than $76,000 worth of educational enhancements and close to $38,000 in partnership funds are benefiting the York community. With your support, students get more than the basics. Please make a tax deductible donation to the Foundation and help our only community high school go above and beyond to prepare students for their future. To learn more about our impact at York visitwww/elmhurst205.org/foundation orclick here to make a direct donation

York Athletic Boosters

The York Athletic Boosters is a parent volunteer organization that raises funds to support the York High School Athletic Department with the items and equipment that are above and beyond the norm provided by the school district. Please see the attached letter outlining what we do and how you can be involved, what you get for your membership and important dates coming up soon! There are three ways to join: fill out the attached membership form and mail it or drop it off at book pickup at the Athletic Booster table or visithttps://yorkab.ejoinme.org/BoosterMembershipto join online. York Dukes Spirit wear will be available for purchase at all book pickup times August 7-11, and at all home football games. Thank you for your consideration - York Athletics values your membership! Have a great year, join Boosters and GO DUKES!

All proceeds benefit the York Performing Arts Department and its students. Last year, we awarded $4000 in scholarships to over 20 students. We host post-concert receptions, organize fundraisers for student trips, provide administrative help to the department including uniform distribution and collection and support other department initiatives including funding equipment purchases for York’s Recording Studio. Please find our membership formhere.

York Alumni Association

In 2018, York Community High School will celebrate its centennial. A group of York alumni has launched the first-ever Alumni Association, with our immediate goal to be involved in planning and facilitating a Centennial Celebration during the 2018-19 school year. There will be a series of events throughout the year commemorating the storied tradition of YCHS.

We invite you to be part of the York Centennial Celebration by purchasing one or more of the related spirit items for sale (window clings, a bumper sticker and t-shirts) to help generate the funding required to stage these events. To view these items, please visitwww.elmhurst205.org/YCHSAA_Merchandise.

If you missed Dr. Bill Daggett's presentation, Why the Future of Education is Now, at York High School on August 14 you'll want to take a look at the attached file of his slideshow and check out this video of his keynote presentation at this summer's Model Schools Conference.

Dr. Daggett is the Founder and Chairman of the International Center for Leadership in Education. He has collaborated with education ministries in several countries, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Governors Association. His System for Effective Instruction and Rigor & Relevance Framework have helped thousands of school districts throughout the country improve learning for students.

The Harlem Wizards are back in Elmhurst on Saturday, September 30th to entertain the crowd with high-energy exhibition play and audience participation. Cheer on our team of Elmhurst school district principals and teachers as they challenge the Wizards in a basketball game that is sure to include wild antics and lots of laughs. The event will be held at York High School beginning at 5:00 PM. Concessions, merchandise and raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Proceeds from this family-friendly fundraiser support District 205 Foundation programs and enhancements that benefit all Elmhurst public school students. Click here to learn more and guarantee a seat at this popular Saturday event.

The Elmhurst Commission on Youth, along with Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, part of Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare, will sponsor a presentation outlining when student anxiety becomes a problem. Hear about the effects of anxiety on learning, sources of anxiety in schools, and school refusal. Treatment requires a collaborative approach that includes the student, school staff, parents and mental health professionals. Dr. Laura Koehler, PsyD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Linden Oaks, leads the discussion on August 29, beginning at 7:30 PM (note change of time) at Bryan Middle School.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

It's hard to believe that all seniors will be in their last year of high school! I've enjoyed the opportunity to work with a lot of families in the past week through the Senior Family Summer Sessions. If you are a senior or the parent/guardian of a senior who will be applying to four-year and specialty schools, there are still spaces in the remaining sessions. Please sign up so you can obtain this important information:https://tinyurl.com/y88lql65

Remember that all programming for families and students is listed on the CCRC Welcome Page. However, I wanted to ensure that you are all aware of the programming that takes place next week. Please read below and let me know if you have any questions.

Senior College Guidance Sessions - Auditorium:

Thursday, August 17th, Before School (6:40am) and Periods 1,2, 3, 5, 7, and 8 OR

Friday, August 18th: Periods 4 and 6 and After School.

All Seniors are required to attend an important presentation providing an overview of the college/specialty school application process during their PE class as listed here. Attendance will be taken. Seniors who do not have PE must attend during a study hall period, lunch period, or during the before or after school session.

Overview of important dates for programs to assist seniors through the application process.

How to search a college’s website to find all the information you need for the application process.

How to manage all of the items you need.

How to keep track of your applications to ensure you aren’t missing anything.

Parents/Guardians of seniors can learn all about the college application and financial aid process (topics covered are very similar to the topics discussed with seniors during the Senior College Guidance Sessions, with greater detail on financial aid).

Choose to attend as many or as few sessions as you wish. Welcome and overview session begins at 8am. Breakouts will follow.

Sessions include:

8:20am: Financial Aid/Cost Planning OR Senior Application Planning,

9:50am: Senior Application Planning

10:50am: IEP’s & 504’s in College OR Athletic Recruitment

11:40am: Alternatives to Traditional College

9:10am: CCRC Open House (open for walk-in and exploration until 10:40am)

On Monday, August 14, Dr. Bill Daggett, of the International Center for Leadership in Education, will speak in Elmhurst. In the afternoon, Dr. Daggett will be the keynote speaker at the District 205 opening faculty meeting. That evening, all interested parents, area educators, community members, elected officials and business leaders are invited to share a unique and exciting opportunity to experience his important message first hand when he presents Why the Future of Education is Now! Join us at 7 PM in the York High School Commons.

Dr. Daggett will discuss the concepts of rigor, relevance and relationships, as well as creating schools that focus on the future. Most importantly, attendees will be challenged to think about the role of public education as it relates to this country's future and the world economy.

Dr. Bill Daggett is the Founder and Chairman of the International Center for Leadership in Education. He has collaborated with education ministries in several countries, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the National Governors Association. Dr. Daggett’s System for Effective Instruction and Rigor and Relevance Framework have helped thousands of school districts throughout the country improve learning for students.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

The Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are reminding parents and guardians to check their children’s vaccination records to make sure they meet immunization requirements prior to the first day of school.

“Immunizations are central to keeping students healthy and ready to learn,” said State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith, Ph.D. “Keeping children’s vaccinations up to date according to the recommended schedule is one of the most important things parents and guardians can do to protect the health of the youngest and oldest among us. Whether for a baby starting at a new child care facility, a toddler heading to preschool, or a student going back to elementary, middle or high school, I encourage parents and guardians to check their children’s vaccination records and, if necessary, schedule a visit with a physician or clinic. Doing so now will avoid a potential last-minute rush.”

Immunizations have eradicated several serious diseases, such as smallpox, polio, and diphtheria in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Instances of other serious diseases, such as measles and rubella, have dropped by more than 99 percent since the pre-vaccination era. Keeping students’ vaccinations up to date is especially important, as diseases can spread quickly among groups of unvaccinated children.

“Child care facilities, preschool programs, and schools are prone to outbreaks of infectious diseases,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “Children in these settings can easily spread illnesses to one another due to poor hand washing, not covering their coughs, and other factors, such as interacting in crowded environments. When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for disease and can spread disease to others in their child care centers, classrooms, and communities – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions.”

The administration and staff are excited to welcome all students back and especially to our new class of 2021! In the coming months, I look forward to meeting many of you through school activities, events, and parent meetings. I am reaching out today to provide information regarding important dates and information for the end of the summer and beginning of the school year. Our office is open from 7:30-4:00 Monday through Friday; please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you. If you have a question or concern, please call, email, or stop in?

We are blessed to have a strong community high school with active students, dedicated staff, and engaged parents. The success of our students is greatly enhanced by active parent involvement. Please consider joining one or more of our wonderful parent organizations. Please check the York website for information regarding all of our parent groups and organizations.

Booksales/Registration

Monday, August 7

9:30am-12pm A-L (Last Name)

12:30pm-2:00pm M-Z (Last Name)

Juniors & Seniors*

Pre Pack Only

Tuesday, August 8

9:30am-12:00pm A-L (Last Name)

12:30pm-2:00pm M-Z (Last Name

Freshmen & Sophomores

Pre Pack Only

Wednesday, August 9

10:00am-2:00pm

Seniors & Juniors*

Thursday, August 10

12:00pm-4:00pm

Freshmen & Sophomores

Thursday, August 10

5:00pm-7:00pm

All Levels

Friday, August 11

10:00am-1:00pm

All Levels

*Underclassmen may buy books on the same day and times as an older sibling.

Bookstore hours for week of August 14

Monday, August 14

Closed

Tuesday, August 15

7:15am-1:30pm

Wednesday – Friday

7:15am-3:30pm

On Thursday, August 10 between 5:00pm-7:00pm, the building will be open for all students and parents to come and walk their schedules and setup lockers. We will be holding book sales during that time for all those families who cannot attend the day time hours as well.

Freshman Information

Freshman Day is Tuesday, August 15 from 7:40am-12:00pm and is a half-day of attendance for all incoming freshmen (no parents!!) to provide a time for orientation and to allow students to follow their schedules and meet their teachers. Students will receive their schedules and their locker combinations during registration – student should bring both items with them on Freshman Day.

Students who normally ride a bus to school will have bus transportation provided both ways. Bus schedules will be available during book sales, and will be posted on our website.

Students should report to the auditorium at 7:40am after which they will attend sessions with student leaders, counselors, and a technology teacher who will help them access PowerSchool and student e-mail accounts.

Students should bring their Chromebook fully charged on Freshman Day.

York and the York PTSA host a Freshman Picnic at 11:30am for students and their teachers. Students are asked to bring $5.00 to purchase lunch.

Parents who pick up their children should arrive by 12:00pm at the front of the school. Buses will depart at noon for those students that will be riding the bus.

Important Dates

First Day of Fall Football: Monday, August 7

First Day of Fall Sports: Wednesday, August 9

Freshman Day: Tuesday, August 15

First Day of School: Wednesday, August 16

York Open House: Thursday, August 31

First Football Game: Friday, September 1

Thanks again for your commitment to York High School and District 205! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

In order to hit the ground running for the College Application process, Mrs. Thompson has prepared several programs throughout first semester for seniors and their families. The first opportunity is before school even starts. If you would like to jump start your process, please consider registering for a CCRC Senior Family Summer Session (see schedule and sign up instructions below). Please check here for a detailed list of all available programming.

Senior Family Summer Sessions - CCRC:

Sign up to attend one 50 minute hands-on session to jump start the college application process.

Topics to be addressed in these sessions:

Using Naviance to determine chance of admission

Finalizing the college list, knowing deadlines and admission options

How to request transcripts & letters of recommendation via Naviance (electronic request and delivery is great!)

How to track your transcripts and letters of recommendation in Naviance (all recommendations from York faculty and staff must be requested through Naviance)

This information cannot be covered with as much depth or hand-on application in future programs so take advantage of this time to dig in to the process! Each session is limited to sixteen (16) families. A parent/guardian is encouraged to attend with their student.

All students should bring their CHROMEBOOKS!

Students who know they plan to attend College of DuPage or join the military do not need to attend these sessions. Your application process will be covered in our “COD Info Night” program or by our military representative’s visits.

At the end of each session, families may set up an appointment to meet with Mrs. Thompson to discuss the student’s individual plans. Individual meetings will continue through the fall as needed. These are not required but may be helpful for students who need more help developing/finalizing their college list or with lots of specific questions.

The DuPage Regional Office of Education, in partnership with volunteers from the DuPage Credit Union and Catholic Charities (Diocese of Joliet), will sponsor the annual Back to School Fair for low-income families on Wednesday, August 2, from 11 AM to 6 PM at St. Francis High School in Wheaton.

This is an opportunity for families to meet with and learn about services provided by numerous agencies from DuPage County and the State of Illinois. Each K-12 student in attendance will receive free vision/dental screenings, plus free school supplies - even a free haircut, if desired. Visit the event website at https://catholiccharitiesjoliet.org/back-to-school-fair-2014-dupage-county.

Meant to be a fun day for kids, the Fair will offer balloon art, games and face painting. Books and novels will be given away, as well as coupons for free haircuts. The Fair, which is sponsored by Catholic Charities and the DuPage Regional Office of Education, is a totally free event, but participants must bring proof of residency in DuPage County, identification for all family members and proof of family income. For additional information, see the flyer(s) posted below.

York High School was represented by four students at the SkillsUSA national competition held this summer in Louisville, KY. Results are as follows: Mike Falco - 6th in Collision Repair Technology; Matt Shepherd - 11th in Screen Printing; Joey Gemini - 12th in Technical Drafting; and Jeremy Olson - 24th in Automotive Service Technology. They were coached by York Industrial Technology teacher Ron Robak.

Falco, a '17 grad, took first place at State, both his junior and senior year and took 6th nationally both last year and this, resulting in a full-ride scholarship to Universal Technical Institute in Lisle, IL.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Is there a new family in your neighborhood? Please let them know that families should enroll new students at the District 205 Center. Information about documentation needed for enrolling students can be found on the New Student Enrollment page.

Evening enrollment hours will be held on August 1 and August 7 from 4 to 8 PM at the District 205 Center and at Conrad Fischer Elementary, 888 N. Wilson, during those same dates and times (for students attending Fischer only).

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Posted by: Katherine Schroeder, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Elmhurst District 205 is thrilled to welcome Dr. Bill Daggett of the International Center for Leadership in Education to the community on Monday, August 14. In the afternoon, Dr. Daggett will be the keynote speaker at our opening faculty meeting. That evening, we cordially invite all local parents, community members, school board members, business and community leaders, legislators, and area educators to share with us a unique and exciting opportunity to experience his important message first hand. The festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. in the York High School Commons.

Dr. Daggett will discuss the concepts of rigor, relevance and relationships and share some important concepts about his organization's Rigor and Relevance Framework. Most importantly, attendees will be challenged to think about the role of public education as it relates to this country's future and the world economy. I predict that if you are able to join us, you will never think about "school" the same way again.

Dr. Bill Daggett is the Founder and Chairman of the International Center for Leadership in Education. He has collaborated with education ministries in several countries, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the National Governors Association. Dr. Daggett’s System for Effective Instruction and Rigor and Relevance Framework have helped thousands of school districts throughout the country improve learning for students.

http://www.leadered.com/

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Save the Date - Saturday, July 15th from 10am - 5pm at York High School in the commons area. Come test and choose a bed that's right for you......have it delivered to your house in about 10 days. Profits go to the York High School Girls Cross Country team, you get a great bed for a great cause!

This summer, York Community High School student Cate Ayers will travel to Urubamba, Peru with VISIONS Service Adventures, an international community service program for teens. Ayers will join other high school students from around the world in the historic Incan capital where the teens will live in the community, tackle ambitious service projects, enjoy adventures and explore the surrounding area, and get to know the local customs and traditions.

“Students arrive with the intent of contributing to underserved communities, and end up a part of that community,” says Katherine Dayton, Executive Director of VISIONS. “Here, students are able to build relationships with other participants, mentors, and community members, and they get to step out of their comfort zones, do something different, and have experiences that create lifelong impact.”

In Urubamba, students will build upon water conservation and irrigation work done by VISIONS and local partners for over a decade. The cement irrigation channels provide efficient access to water for farmers as they face years of increasing drought. Students will also do maintenance and expansion at VISIONS-built preschools in the Sacred Valley. This will be the 18th VISIONS Summer in Peru.

In the afternoons and on weekends, students have the opportunity to travel regionally and explore their home base area. In Peru, this includes a trip to Machu Picchu and other ruins, visiting historic Cusco, and hot spring soaks. The students will also have plenty of opportunities to practice their Spanish while they apprentice with local artisans, join pick-up soccer games, and shop at the food market.

All programs are overseen by adult leaders and long-time local partners, who guide and teach the students in hands-on construction and other development projects. Beyond completing service projects, the summer is an opportunity for students to explore the idea of community in both a local and global sense. “VISIONS is not about construction projects,” explains long-time program leader David Kramer. “It is about deconstructing how we view the world and then framing a new vision upon the foundation of real experience with a global perspective.”

VISIONS has been running high school and middle school volunteer travel experiences since 1989, and is well known for programs that are centered on ambitious projects in cross-cultural settings. Locations include Alaska, the British Virgin Islands, Cambodia, Mississippi, the Montana Blackfeet and Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservations, Myanmar (Burma), the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Nicaragua, Peru, and Guadeloupe.

York High School has been competing in the Capitol Hill Challenge for the last few years. This year, one of the York teams finished second in the country. The Capitol Hill Challenge is a national program that teaches middle and high school students the importance of saving and investing through a mock stock market game, while also giving them a better understanding of government, according to a release from Challenge sponsor SIFMA.

"Schools are awarded 10 teams which we have traditionally split between our Honors Personal Finance course and our Economics Club," said York Business Department Chair Jim Borel. "This year, 4 of our 10 teams finished in the top 1 percent of the 3,939 stock teams participating in the Capital Hill Challenge. The second place team in the country consisted of seniors Burke Corcoran, Kevin Lipkin, Mark Leali and junior Jason Kentra. This team was part of Tamra Carl's Economics Club." An awards reception will be held on June 21 in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capital Hill in Washington, DC.

In the Challenge, teams invest a hypothetical $100,000 in listed stocks, bonds and mutual funds, learning the value of the capital markets as they work together to maximize the return of their portfolios.

"Tamra does a great job and should be commended for our national second place finish. I will be accompanying the team on the trip to Washington, DC from June 20-22. Last year, we finished in ninth place in the country with a CHC team from the Honors Personal Finance course. This a great opportunity for our students to learn investing strategies. The trip is also a great opportunity for our students see our democracy in action," said Mr. Borel.

"I also want to note that this is a special accomplishment because three years ago members of this team were in line to make the top 10 in the nation and got bumped out the last night of the competition. It was their goal every year since then to place in the top 10," Mrs. Carl said. "I am so proud of them for working hard to strategically trade up until the very end of the competition, showing leadership to the Economics Club at our weekly meetings and meeting their objective!"

Middle and high school students from all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia participated in this year’s competition. Montgomery Area High School in Pennsylvania was this year's winner of the stock market game.

The following is important information about completing student registration at York High School. Each student must complete the following steps to successfully register for the start of school:

Complete Residency Verification

Complete InfoSnap (District 205 online registration)

Buy textbooks, Chromebooks, & pay fees

Attend Book sales and pick-up student information.

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Residency VerificationParents/guardians of all incoming 9th graders (and any York student who does not have a current lease on file) must provide documents to the high school to verify residency. Click here for the list of valid documents.

InfoSnap (District 205 online registration)
Parents must begin the registration process by going online and updating their student’s information using the District 205 registration website: www.elmhurst205.org/InfoSnap. At the beginning of May, InfoSnap emails (or letters if there is no email address on file) were sent to all families. Please note that families must complete InfoSnap prior to proceeding with the high school registration process.

For families without Internet access, computers will be available to complete InfoSnap during book sales in August. Families with questions regarding the online registration process may call 630-617-2458.

Textbooks, Chromebooks & Fees
Textbook list for the upcoming school year is now available on our Bookstore website. The list can be found under the textbook tab. Please be aware that we are currently working to convert several texts to digital formats which will be accessed by students on their Chromebooks. Book prices will be available in July.

All incoming freshman as well as new students to District 205 will be required to purchase a Chromebook for $300.00 during booksales through the bookstore. Families can not transfer a used Chromebook to a younger sibling.

Book Sales and Student Information Pick-Up
The final step of the registration process requires York students to purchase textbooks and Chromebooks, pay fees, take a yearbook photo, and pick up handbooks, IDs, and student schedules. This process is completed in person during the hours listed below. Please note: families on vacation during book sales can purchase books and complete the York registration process in the Bookstore beginning August 15. Make-up yearbook photos will be taken on September 13 and 14.

Monday, August 7

9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. A-L (Last Name)

12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. M-Z (Last Name)

Juniors & Seniors*Pre Pack Only

Tuesday, August 8

9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. A-L (Last Name)

12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. M-Z (Last Name)

Freshmen & SophomoresPre Pack Only

Wednesday, August 9

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Seniors & Juniors*

Thursday, August 10

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Freshmen & Sophomores

Thursday, August 10

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

All Levels

Friday, August 11

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

All Levels

*Underclassmen may buy books on the same day and time as an older sibling.

Bookstore Hours for week of August 14

Monday, August 14

Closed

Tuesday, August 15

Limit Hrs

Beck’s Book Store Pre-Pack Option
Beck’s Book Store will be running the day to day operations of the York Bookstore and will again offer the Pre-Pack option to speed up the book sale process. Pre Pack allows families to pre-order textbooks and pick them up during book sales. Beck’s “Search by ID” function will allow families to access a student-specific list of textbook titles and required course fees. Families interested in the pre pack option can visitwww.YorkHighSchoolBookstore.com. Site will be ready for orders in early July, and all orders must be placed by July 24th, 2017. Express orders will be bundled and ready for pick up on the dates designated above. Books and course fees will be paid on the day the books are picked up.

Paying for Textbooks, Chromebooks and Fees
Textbooks, Chromebooks, fees and yearbooks can all be purchased in one transaction per student with cash, check, or credit card (MasterCard, Discover or Visa). Families with multiple students, will have to bring multiple checks.

Financial Assistance Information
There are several options available for families in need of financial assistance:

District Financial Assistance for Student Fees and Books – Families that meet guidelines established by the District can receive assistance with fees, Chromebook and book costs. To receive assistance, the Request for Financial Assistance form must be completed and returned to the District Office with the required supporting documentation. After July 1 these forms can be found on the District 205 registration website or in the York Principal’s Office.

Free and Reduced Lunch – Families that meet the federal guidelines are entitled to free or reduced lunch. To receive assistance, the Free and Reduced Lunch form must be completed and returned to the District Office. The form will be available after July 1 on the District 205 registration website or in the York Principals’ Office.

Additional information about the York Registration process:

Yearbook Photos
All 9th, 10th and 11th graders will have a yearbook picture taken during book sales. Students should dress appropriately. Make-up dates are September 13 and 14 in the Commons.

Student IDs
Each student will receive an ID during registration which must be worn by the student at all times. The ID also serves as an activity pass. This pass may be used for entry into regular season home athletic events, concerts, plays, and to participate in intramural activities and clubs. Student IDs are also required to ride the bus and enter the cafeteria.

Student Schedules
All students will receive their schedules during book sales on August 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.

Physicals
Incoming freshmen, transfer students and athletes must have current physicals. Forms are available on the York website and at www.elmhurst205.org. An athletic physical does not meet the requirements for a Freshman Physical.

Due to a change in the State’s immunizations requirements, all seniors must provide proof of two doses of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine to the high school by the start of the 2017-2018 school year.

Food Service Plan
A staff member from York Food Services will be available during book sales to assist families and provide information regarding our food service options.

Supporting Parent Organizations
Parents that are interested in supporting school organizations or volunteering for various opportunities may click here to support these organizations: PTSA, Booster organizations, and the District 205 Foundation.

Senior Off-Campus Privileges
Information about senior privileges will be available at York registration and throughout the year.

On June 5, at the Broadway Playhouse in Chicago, York Community High School’s rendition of “West Side Story” was named Best Production at the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards. “It is a humbling and incredible honor for all involved” said Director Rebecca Marianetti.

The Illinois chapter of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (IHSMTA) - The JimmyAwards - serves as an annual national celebration of outstanding achievement in musical theater performance by high school students. IHSMTA categories include Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Scenic Design of a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, and Best Overall Production.

Three York students were nominated as finalists for the Jimmy Awards: Tatum Langley, Erik Martenson and Carina Kanzler. There were 24 students selected in the state of Illinois to participate. Carina will be a senior at York. Tatum, a 2017 York graduate, was in the final round and will earn her BFA in Musical Theatre from Ball State University. Erik, also a 2017 YCHS graduate, will earn his BFA in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College, New York.

“In addition to our amazing actors, musicians and crew, the amount of support we have received from our team of talented and tireless faculty, administration and community has been phenomenal. To end the year with this honor is icing on the cake. We are proud to live in a community that understands education through the arts is essential," said Ms. Marianetti.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Even if your soon-to-be York High School freshman has been a District 205 student for years, he or she must prove residency for the 2017-18 school year. If you have any questions about residency verification, please contact York High School directly at 630-617-2400. Please bring all required paperwork to York High School (355 W. St. Charles Rd).

Daytime hours:
Monday through Thursday
8 AM - 3 PM.

Evening verification will take place as follows:
June 27 | July 12 | July 20

5 PM - 8 PM

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Posted by: Katherine Schroeder, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

NovaCare Rehabilitation and York team physician Dr. Lawrence Frank will team up to offer free sports physicals only to York student-athletes who will be involved in Duke athletics during 2017-18 (current 8th - 11th graders). Nurse’s Office (see flyer). A parent signature is required on appropriate forms in order to complete the physical. To schedule an appointment, please email Stephanie atswilkins@elmhurst205.org or call 630-617-2499. A $5 donation is suggested to benefit York Athletics.

Now that prom is in our rear view mirror, finals week and the end of the year are just on the horizon. Last week, we sent out the senior finals schedule, letting you know that the end of year schedule would come out soon. At last night's board meeting, the Board officially amended the calendar for the last day of school. Below is the schedule for the end of the year final exams--Tuesday, May 23rd - Thursday, May 25th. We hope that all of our students continue to have a great semester as the end of the year quickly approaches.

Freshman/Sophomore/Junior Final Exams:

Tuesday,

May 23rd

Wednesday,

May 24th

Thursday,

May 25th

7:40-9:10 (90 Mins)

Period 8

Period 3

Period 1

9:20-10:50 (90 Mins)

Period 7

Period 2

Period 5

11:00-11:50 (50 Mins)

LUNCH

LUNCH

Make Up

12:00-1:30 (90 Mins)

Period 6

Period 4

Make Up

Students will have a Final Culminating Activity in every class assessed for up to 20% of their semester grade.

The Final Culminating Activity may look different in each course: traditional Final Exam, Final Project, Final Performance, or other Final Culminating Activity as defined by the course team (ex. AP exam).

All traditional Final Exams will be given during the Final Exam schedule above.

Performance-based or project-based Final Culminating Activities may be due the day prior to the final exam schedule. In this case, students in the class do NOT need to report to that class on Final Exam days.

During the Final Exam days, students should NOT report to PE, Study Hall, Guided Study (SPED), Algebra Support, Study Tables, or Resource classes.

The Testing Center will be open during each final exam period for exams that have been rescheduled by a counselor and all extended time tests, and all make-up exams will be given after 1:30 on Tuesday and Wednesday and after 11:00 on Thursday.

Students must take exams during the exam period in which they are scheduled. No exams will be administered­ early; however, students who have three exams scheduled for one day may arrange to change one by contacting their counselor. Students should NOT ask their teacher to change an exam period.

All students are free to leave campus during times they do not have an exam. Study areas (Learning Commons and Math Lab) will be open if students have an open period and do not want to leave the building. Students must only be in attendance when they have an exam.

There will be a 10-minute passing period between consecutive exams.

Breakfast will be available from 7:00-9:00 on all three exam days. Lunch service will be available from 11:00 - 11:50 on Tuesday and Wednesday; there will be no lunch service on Thursday, May 25th.

During finals, students in the TLS program and students who attend the Transition Center will meet for an instruction day from 7:40 to 1:30 on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 7:40 to 11:00 on Thursday.

Buses will run on regular schedules all three mornings. On Tuesday and Wednesday, buses will depart at 1:40 with late buses departing at 3:30 and 5:00. On Thursday, buses will depart at 11:00 with a late bus departing at 3:00. ​

York High School Drama alumni will return to the York Stage for this one night only musical, Godspell, set for Friday, June 9 in York's Baker Auditorium. Tickets went on sale May 15 at https://www.ticketpeak.com/res/yorkdrama. Heading the cast are Michael St. Peter (BA, Vocal Performance, Juilliard) and James Mueller (BA, Dance, Luther) as Jesus and Judas.

The York Drama Alumni Program was started to support our young actors who are pursuing a career in the arts. In a community that supports the arts to the fullest, it has been a spectacular and enriching opportunity for all involved.

James Mueller, as Judas, states “This program and the people in it have had a huge impact on me as an artist and as a person. Godspell is a show about building community. Through storytelling, the characters create a singular group identity through which they find compassion, support, and most importantly love. By nurturing these characteristics within each other we as the audience begin to see the characters change, grow, and let their light shine. This is also true of the Elmhurst community. We are all so fortunate and to be a part of it."

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Posted by: Katherine Schroeder, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

The commencement ceremony is rapidly approaching. Please be sure to visit the York website for information on tickets, special seating and handicapped parking options.

On May 21st, graduates must report to York by 12:00 noon. At the same time, doors will open for the public. Parking will be very limited, so we encourage you to carpool, if possible. Beginning at 11:50 a.m., we will provide continuous shuttle service from the commercial parking lot located on Rt. 83 near Whole Foods.

Commencement ConductThis has been an outstanding group of seniors and we want to ensure a meaningful experience for you and your family. In that spirit, I want to share the following expectations:

Any member of the graduating class who violates the Board of Education policies or school rules may not be allowed to participate in the ceremony and his/her diploma will also be withheld. A senior who is suspended for any reason on the last day of school will not be able to participate in the commencement ceremony.

If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.

If your behavior detracts from the ceremony, you will be removed immediately. If you appear to be under the influence of any intoxicant, or if you are in possession of any material that would detract from or interfere with the dignity of graduation, you will be removed from the graduation ceremony. Items that make noise or otherwise distract from the ceremony will be confiscated, and you will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Students will be checked for such items when they arrive at the school.

Ceremony Attire
Our graduates are expected to wear appropriate clothing and shoes to the ceremony. Shorts are not allowed. Men must wear a shirt and tie, and women should be dressed up as well. Casual shoes or flip-flops are not acceptable. If you are not appropriately dressed, you will be sent home to change and will run the risk of missing the ceremony. Graduates should not bring cell phones, cameras, purses, or flowers to the ceremony. Items brought to graduation will be placed in locked storage until after the ceremony. Decorative items or jewelry may not be worn on your graduation cap or gown.

Parents please remember no balloons will be allowed in the fieldhouse. Any balloons that are brought must be tied up outside when you arrrive or kept in your car.

Commencement Pictures and Video
The school arranges for a photographer to take pictures of each graduate as diplomas are presented. Go to www.gradimages.com to access graduation photos after the event. Please note that during the ceremony, no spectators will be allowed to approach the stage. Parents and guests who wish to take photographs should do so from their seats or before the ceremony. Students will return to the cafeteria to turn in their gowns and receive diplomas immediately after the ceremony. Please remember to take photos prior to the ceremony with your graduate in their cap and gown. There will be no opportunity after the ceremony.

Please note: for the benefit of out-of-town relatives and friends, the entire ceremony will be streamed live and made available via York’s website on Sunday, May 21, beginning at 1 p.m. It may be viewed by clicking on this link.

When prom is the talk of the town, you know the end of the year is near. Below you will find the senior final exam schedule. We anticipate that the last day of school will be approved at the Board meeting on Tuesday, and following that approval, we will be able to publish the end of the year final exam schedule. Thank you for your patience, and we wish all of our Dukes well as we enter the final stretch toward graduation.

Senior Final Exam Schedule (90 minute periods)

Schedule

Tuesday, May 16th

Wednesday, May 17th

7:40 - 9:10

Period 2

Period 4

9:20 - 10:50

Period 3

Period 5

10:55 – 11:50

LUNCH

LUNCH

11:55 – 1:25

Period 6

Period 7

1:35 – 3:06

Period 1

Period 8

All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors also follow this schedule, but will not be taking final exams unless enrolled in a course that contains primarily seniors. The instructor will provide the underclassmen ample notice in this instance.

All buses run on their normal schedule. This includes late/activity buses.

During senior finals, only those with off campus privileges are allowed off campus. There are a number of options for studying and receiving academic help during all periods, including the lunch periods. Academic resource areas such as the Learning Commons and Math Lab will be open and staffed throughout the day. The Commons/Cafeteria will be open and staffed during all lunch periods.

Commencement for the Class of 2017 is scheduled for Sunday, May 21 at 1:00 p.m. in the Joe Newton Field House at York High School. The graduation ceremony is our last opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments at York and we want to make this a memorable event for you and your family. Please take a few moments to review the following important information.

On May 21st, graduates must report to York by 12:00 noon. At the same time, doors will open for the public. Parking will be very limited, so we encourage you to carpool, if possible. Beginning at 11:50 a.m., we will provide continuous shuttle service from the commercial parking lot located on Rt. 83 near Whole Foods.

Graduation Tickets
Each graduate will receive six tickets. Please note that no one will be admitted to the ceremony without a ticket. Tickets will be distributed after graduation practice on May 19th. Handicapped seating will be available. Please note if you request 2 handicapped seats, that will be counted as part of your six tickets. Please fill out this form to request handicapped seating. For special parking requests, please contact the main office at 617-2400.

We recognize that graduation is a special time for families and that sometimes families need more than 6 tickets for the ceremony. For those families who will need additional tickets, please fill out the extra ticket request form. We will process extra ticket requests after Monday, May 8th. We will do our best to accommodate as many of the request within reason. Graduation will also be available to be viewed on line for those families who are unable to attend in person.

Senior Checkout and Cap and Gown Pickup
Senior checkout and cap and gown distribution will be held in the South Gym on Friday, May 19th, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30am. All senior obligations must be paid by this day in order to receive their cap and gown. If you have an outstanding obligation, you have recently received a letter from Assistant Principal McGuire.

Mandatory Graduation RehearsalThere will be a mandatory graduation rehearsal on Friday, May 19th at 12:45 p.m. Students must be in attendance at the rehearsal in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.

It is important to note that participation in the graduation ceremony is voluntary. If you choose not to participate in the ceremony, your parent must notify the school in writing. Please submit this correspondence to Kelly Corry in the Principal’s Office no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18th.

Scholarship Information for Graduation Program
As part of the graduation program, we want to recognize all seniors who have been awarded scholarships by the college they plan to attend and by other agencies. To ensure that we recognize all awards, please provide us with your scholarship information by completing the Awards/Scholarship form by Monday, May 8th. We have the information on scholarships presented at York High School during our awards nights. Therefore, you do not need to provide this information again.

If you have any questions about Commencement, please reply to this email or contact the main office at 630-617-2400.

With only a few weeks left until the last day of school, it’s time to take stock of your child(ren)’s lunch balance(s). To access their MySchoolBucks account(s), please visit the Café 205 page and click on the MySchoolBucks link. For those who have a positive balance, please know that at the end of the year your student’s account will roll over to the next school year (and be transferred to his/her new location, if they are moving schools within District 205).

Families with a senior at York High School may transfer an unused balance to a sibling. If there are no siblings remaining in District 205, the cutoff for refund requests will be this Friday, May 12. Those requests need to be made to Director of Food Services Cheryl Spencer at 630-617-2436 or Eileen Carroll at 630-617-2467. Balances under $5 will not be refunded.

For parents that use automatic replenish for lunch accounts, please know that MySchoolBucks will stay up and running during the summer to accept payments. If you use auto payment and don’t want money deducted during the summer, you will need to turn off that feature and then remember to re-activate it again in August. Questions may be directed to the MySchoolBucks Parent Helpline at 855-832-5226.

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Posted by: Katherine Schroeder, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Scores from the ISBE-provided April SAT® School Day administration will be available to students through the College Board Reporting Portal via their College Board Student Account beginning this week.

Most students who tested on April 5th will have scores available as early as today; however, some scores will be released later for reasons that include participation in the later accommodations testing window or on the makeup testing date, late receipt of answer sheets, missing information on the answer sheet, or other exception conditions that require additional attention. If a score is not available, students should check the Portal periodically for updates. The Portal will update daily as additional individual student scores are released. Scores for students who submitted a “Request to Cancel Test Scores” form will not be available in the Portal.

York and other high schools throughout the state will not have access to an individual student scores for several weeks; therefore, CollegeBoard has provided the directions listed below to create a College Board Student Account since this account is the only way for families to access their student's scores.

Create a College Board Student Account. If students are creating their College Board account for the first time, go to studentscores.collegeboard.org and click Sign Up to create an account. Students should use their full legal name that matches what the school has on file. They should be prepared to provide basic information, including gender, date of birth, email address, high school name, expected high school graduation date, and zip code. The account will be created. Continue to step #2.

View Scores in the College Board Reporting Portal: To view scores, students will go to studentscores.collegeboard.org and sign in. If their scores are not shown, continue to step #3.

Match College Board Student Account and Registration: If a student is signed in but doesn’t see their scores, it means CollegeBoard was not able to link their score report and account automatically. For security reasons, a student must verify additional information before they can display their scores. They will need either their SAT registration number or their State Student ID number. To match, they will

Click Add Score(s)

Review the personal information.

If any information is incorrect, click Update to revise. Students will be prompted to reenter their password.

If the information is correct, click Get My Scores.

If a match is still not found, students will be prompted to provide either their test information, including their test date and registration number, or their State Student ID number.

To use test information to match, they will select SAT as their test. Enter “2017” as the test year. And, enter their SAT Registration Number. Click Get My Scores.

To use your State Student ID number to match, students will enter their State Student ID. Click Get My Scores.

If your student no longer has his/her testing ticket on which is both the registration and the State Student ID number, please stop by Student Services, and we can provide your student that information.

There may still be cases in which a student is not able to view their scores using the steps above because the information is too different or the scores have not yet been finalized. If students cannot view their scores, they should call the College Board’s Student SAT Help Line at 1-866-756-7346.​​​​​​​

The concert will honor the graduating class of 2017, and will feature junior Concerto Competition Winner Tessa Vermeulen performing the François Borne’s Fantasie Brillante for Flute and Orchestra on Themes from Bizet’s “Carmen.” The Orchestra will perform Béla Bartók’sRumanian Folk Dances, highlights from Edward Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite, the finale from Antonin Dvorák’s New World Symphony and “Jupiter” from Gustav Holst’s The Planets. Other featured student musicians include Ella Lee, Elizabeth Mazzocco and Jenna Garcia (violin), Linnea Dierksheide (harp), Gabe Lewis, Jack Gornick and Gabriela Uribe (clarinet), Brian Strauch and Siena Olson (horn), Emmett O’Brien (trumpet), Kate DesBiens (oboe) and Amy Choi (piccolo). The York Symphony Orchestra is directed by Ray Ostwald, but will also be led by student conductors Andrew French and Elizabeth Mazzocco. The performance is in Baker Auditorium at York High School. Admission is free, but all are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to a local food pantry. A reception honoring the students will follow the concert in the cafeteria.

The concert will honor members of the graduating class of 2017, and will feature a variety of music including selections from Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz, The Patriot and Game of Thrones. Featured soloists include violinists Karlene Stanton and Maya Wlodarczyk as well as Lily Martinez on piano and harpsichord. A student cello quartet will also perform. The orchestras are directed by Ray Ostwald. The performance is in Baker Auditorium at York High School. Admission is free, but all are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to a local food pantry. A reception honoring the student musicians will follow the concert in the cafeteria.

The last day of school was approved at the April 25 Board of Education meeting. Due to a mild winter, and no other weather-related incidents, the five emergency days which are built into the school calendar, have not been used. Below are the student dismissal dates and times. The 2016-17 End-of-Year Calendar contains helpful information about final exams and 8th grade promotion times.

May 25 - Last day of attendance for York High School freshmen, sophomores and juniors at the conclusion of exams.

May 31 - Last day of attendance for Early Childhood and AM/PM kindergarten students. Last day of attendance for 8th grade students.

June 1 - Last day of school for grades 1-5; early dismissal at 11:15 AM. Last day of school for grades 6 and 7; early dismissal at 11:35 AM.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

The York Album Project is a diverse group of musicians from York High School that has collaborated to write, record and release this third album of all original material. The new album features 23 different tracks, 16 recorded at York, which were written and recorded during the 2016-17 school year. Produced by York music teacher Chris Gemkow, with the support of Audio Engineer Tim Flynn, of Audio Wall Studio in Lombard, this album was released today and continues to highlight the incredible musical talent that exists at York High School.

Released last week, Music As One (2017) is available to download for $10 (includes unlimited streaming) via Bandcamp at yorkalbumproject.bandcamp.com. CDs will be available for $10 at the Album Release Party on Sunday, May 6th, at Schuba’s on Southport & Belmont downtown (specific details here). The show is for all ages and will start at 12 PM; admission is $5.

The City of Elmhurst’s Commission on Youth honored 73 young volunteers at its annual Exemplary Youth Service Awards program, on Wednesday, April 26, at Sandburg Middle School. Featured speakers were York High School students and 2016 Exemplary Volunteer Service award winners Ella Pittman, Brenna Bohaboy and Christina Sapata.

Named as Exemplary Youth Volunteers were the following individuals: Eisleigh Harding, Benjamin Hoffmann, Elizabeth Maloney, Theodore Miller and Maria Muehleis. Exemplary groups were: The Dependent Clauses, Kartwheels for Kids and the York Community High School Garden Club. A link to the Exemplary Youth Service Awards program is available below.

The Exemplary Youth Service Awards program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated at least one of the following criteria through volunteer service: the level of involvement should demonstrate an exemplary commitment; the service must contribute to the health and well-being of a worthy individual or group or the community at large; the service should help promote the spirit of volunteerism.

The nominees range in age from elementary through high school. Eight groups and 13 individuals were nominated for this year’s awards. Serving as distinguished judges were Diane McGinnis, Director of Community and Government Relations for Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare; Marti Deuter, First Ward Alderman; and Elmhurst Police Deputy Chief Michael McLean.

The program will air on the Elmhurst government access channels (Comcast Channel 6 and AT&T Channel 99) on Fridays at 5:00 PM, beginning on May 5, and Sundays at 6 PM throughout the month of Mayand will also be available for viewing on www.ElmhurstTV.com.

Pictured above are Ted Miller and his nominator Meg March (with husband Harold March), as well as The Dependent Clauses - both recipients of 2017 Exemplary Youth Service Awards, sponsored by the Elmhurst Commission on Youth.

This is a reminder that you or your student must pick up his or her medication(s) before summer break. Controlled substance prescription medications must be picked up by a parent or guardian. Medication that is not picked up prior to June 6th will be disposed of.

A physician’s order and the parent permission form to administer medication are valid for one academic year only, and must be resubmitted on a yearly basis.

Duke Decision Day is Monday, May 1st during all lunch periods in the Commons. It is an annual York event, sponsored by the College & Career Resource Center and the PTSA Academic Boosters. This event celebrates the symbolic commitment to the college, military or post-secondary plans.

Wear your college and/or military spirit wear to school and place a marker on the giant map to share your post high school decision. Class pens are given to participating seniors by the PTSA Academic Boosters. Freshman year scholarship information will also be collected by the College & Career Resource Center. All students are invited to stop by and see what the future holds for the Class of 2017.

Morgan Taylor and Emmanuel Utomi were honored by IPA during a breakfast on April 24. These students were honored for making positive contributions, for achieving high academic goals and demonstrating enthusiastic school spirit. They show a positive attitude towards classmates and possess strength of character and courage to do what is right.

The DuPage Region of the Illinois Principals Association congratulates these students and celebrate their success.

Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Superintendent Dr. David Moyer joins more than 400 school chiefs from across the state, representing 1.35 million students, in calling for the Illinois General Assembly to immediately pass a state budget. The grassroots initiative - called “Pass Illinois’ Budget!” - also urges lawmakers and Governor Rauner to improve the state’s education funding formula, and pay school districts millions of dollars owed in unpaid bills this year.

As legislators return to Springfield following their spring break, school districtsare using school marquees to share their frustration with the state budget crisis and taking to social media with a call to #PassILBudget. As of April 24, 2017, the state now owes District 205 $3,670,579 and has been operating without a full budget for the past 22 months.

“I stand with over 400 superintendents from across the state in a call for action,” said Dr. Moyer. “We need to end the impasse now and move forward with a budget that will serve the two million K-12 Illinois public school students who represent our future.”

The superintendents are calling on members of the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor to do the following:

Immediately, and with bipartisan support, end the state budget impasse.

Improve the state’s education funding formula and invest in students and schools, including higher education, throughout the state.

Pay school districts what they are owed this year.

While K-12 education has benefited from a partially-funded state budget, Illinois schools, students, families, and communities will continue to suffer without a full state budget. Districts will continue to struggle if “Mandated Categoricals,” state payments which support special education, bilingual education, transportation, and other important services, do not get paid this year. District 205 has not received three categorical payments this year. Here are the largest funds due:

Transportation -$990,078.06

Special Education - $2,616,602.18

State Free Lunch - $1,818.25

Driver’s Education - $22,080.28

Early Childhood - $40,000.00

State revenue accounts for about 8.13 percent of District 205’s operating budget or $9,341,790. The General State Aid payments, which support general operating expenses, are being paid on time, however, the categorical payments are not. District 205 has not received any categorical payments this year with the exception of one late quarter payment from last fiscal year.

"Because this money reimburses costs to existing programming, and because the majority of these services are required by law, the District will likely have to consider either spending down its fund balance, which is an unsustainable solution, or study options to reduce spending in other programming areas in which discretionary decisions are possible," noted Dr. Moyer.

More than 400 superintendents, representing 66 percent of Illinois’ public school students from Carbondale to Chicago to Rockford have joined the effort. Please see press release link below to view the list. Please also reference the Frequently Asked Questions document via the link below.

Congratulations to the following students on their acceptance into the National Technical Honor Society. The mission of NTHS is to honor student achievement and leadership in career and technical education, promote educational excellence, award scholarships, and enhance career opportunities for the NTHS membership. Students were honored at a Breakfast on April 21st.

Congratulations to York students who participated in the Family Career and Community Leaders of America state competitions in Springfield, IL on April 6th and 7th. FCCLA is a Career and Technical Student Organization that provides personal growth, leadership development, and career preparation opportunities for students in Family and Consumer Sciences education. Students developed presentations, demonstrated skills, and showcased knowledge in areas such as nutrition, fashion, food production and design, children's literature, interior design, and professional careers. Students received individual awards based on their overall score.

The York Student Council is again sponsoring a Senior Citizen Prom on Sunday, May 7, 2017 from 2 to 4 PM in the York High School Cafeteria/Commons, 355 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst. Take a stroll down memory lane with live music from the Ballroom Big Band. All senior citizens, as well as their friends and family members are invited. Attendees are asked to RSVP to Student Council sponsor Matt Moran at MMoran@elmhurst205.org or 630-617-2400 x7285. Please leave a message that includes your name and the number of people who will be attending.

The Blood Drive will be held in the South Gym on Thursday, April 20. Sign up to donate on this Google Form. If you are a York student (even if you are 18), you must pick up a permission slip outside of room A323 or print one out here and bring it with you to your appointment. You must bring an ID with you to your appointment.

On Friday, April 21, the York Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra are very excited to perform on the magnificent and historic Armour Stage of Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center in Chicago. The performances are free and open to the public and we’d love to see as many family and friends attend this unique performance opportunity as possible. Each performance is approximately twenty minutes in length. Orchestra Hall was designed by renowned architect Daniel Burnham and built in 1904. You can learn more at this link.

The District 205 Foundation offers a variety of gifts and keepsakes that celebrate York and make perfect graduation gifts. A 10-pack of York High School notecards with envelopes are perfect for graduation announcements or thank you notes. Surprise your student with a hand crafted pewter ornament of York's facade. And for a lasting gift that commemorates the York experience, a paver brick with a personal engraved message can be purchased and installed in the paver patio outside of the Academic Building. Give a gift that lasts with all proceeds benefiting Foundation programs that impact every school and enhance the education of all students. Visit http://www.elmhurst205.org/foundation_gifts for more information and to make a purchase.

Please fill out this form to be entered into the Student Parking Lottery by April 28th at 3:00pm. The cost of parking next year will be $156.00 which will need to be paid in full before the end of this school year. Students in curriculum programs such as invite to teach, med careers and career internship are given priority. All other senior students will be entered into a random drawing. Students that are not awarded a spot will be placed on a waiting list. You will be notified before the end of this school year about your parking status for next year. Students who enter the lottery must hold a valid driver's license at the start of the 2017-2018 school year.

Students who live within an established boundary close to the high school will not be allowed parking privileges at York. That area includes the streets south of the Northwestern/Metra railroad tracks, west of Cottage Hill, east of Route 83 and north of Vallette.

The York Prom will take place on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. This letter contains important information for students and parents. To purchase a Prom ticket, students must follow this new procedure:

1. Fill out the Prom Ticket Request form (using their Elmhurst205 account) at bit.ly/york prom17 and obtain a confirmation number. Every student who plans to attend Prom must complete his/her own information form. (If you are bringing a non-York guest, you must complete the guest information).

2. Have this letter filled out and signed, and then present it at the time the ticket is purchased.

Prom will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 11 p.m. Bus service on a luxury coach will be provided and required to and from the museum. The luxury coaches will leave York High School at 5:45 p.m. Check-in will begin at 5:15 p.m. York High School does not permit the use of limousines to drop students off at school.

This all-inclusive evening includes transportation to and from the Prom, a strolling dinner and dessert reception, soft drinks, and dancing at MSI. Tickets for the Prom may be purchased in the bookstore from March 20th through April 13th. During the first week (March 20-24), tickets will only be available for seniors to purchase. At this time, seniors have the option to buy a ticket for one guest (who does not need to be a senior), but both tickets must be purchased at the same time. Juniors may purchase tickets during the remaining two weeks after spring break (April 3-13). The Prom ticket price is $110 per person. Payment is by cash or checks (payable to Beck’s Bookstore) only. No tickets will be sold after Thursday, April 13th.

The Post Prom cruise aboard the Odyssey has been arranged by the PTSA. The optional cruise continues to be a very popular option and, once again, promises to complete a memorable night. Tickets for Post Prom are $35 per person. The Post Prom cruise boards at 12 a.m. and ends at 2:30 a.m. The Post Prom buses will return to York around 3:15 am, buses for students not attending Post Prom will return around 11:45 pm. Tickets for Post Prom may also be purchased in the bookstore, and all bus assignments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Only the first 712 students will be able to attend Post Prom. (We have a total capacity of 916 for Prom). The PTSA has generously agreed to pay for the luxury buses to help keep the combined cost of Prom and Post Prom at $145 per person. Funding is available through the York Student Enrichment Team (YSET) for seniors only who are experiencing financial difficulty. Please have your senior student contact his/her counselor or social worker for an application. For further YSET information, please contact Bonnie Salvo, York social worker and YSET member, at 630-617-2421 or via email at bsalvo@elmhurst205.org.

All school rules regarding conduct, alcohol, tobacco, etc. will be enforced at this function (see Student Handbook for rules). Noncompliance with these rules will result in removal from the dance, parental contact, and all appropriate disciplinary action. All rules apply to students and their guests. The dress code is formal. Any student whose attire is deemed inappropriate by the administration will not be given a refund. Students are not permitted to bring large purses or bags on the bus, and all carry-on items will be subject to inspection.

If a junior or senior student is purchasing a ticket for a guest from another school, the guest and parent/guardian must complete and sign a separate Guest Request Form available in the Dean’s Office. York students must accompany their non-York guests at all times throughout the evening, including Post Prom.

Due to our binding contracts with MSI, Coach USA, and the Odyssey cruise company, we will be unable to provide refunds for students who choose not to attend Prom or Post-Prom after April 13, 2017.

The tradition continues with this year’s sixth annual Top Pizza Taste of Elmhurst on April 27, from 5:30-7:30 PM in the York High School Commons, sponsored by the District 205 Foundation for Educational Excellence. Elmhurst restaurants and pizzerias will be showcasing their traditional, specialty varieties and gluten-free pizza pies. The $10 entrance fee allows attendees to taste the variety of vendor offerings and vote for their favorites. The event will also feature raffles and musical entertainment.

This is a great family fundraising event that allows adults and kids to enjoy dinner together with friends and taste pizzas that are both familiar and new to them. For those families trying to juggle sports practices and games on a weeknight, it’s a great way to grab dinner before or after. Make it dinner-and-a-play by combining the evening with this year’s York High School spring musical, West Side Story, which is currently sold out.

Proceeds from Top Pizza Taste of Elmhurst benefit District 205 Foundation programs that enhance education for K-12 schools. For more information and to purchase the entrance fee in advance, visit www.elmhurst205.org/foundation_pizza.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

The RevTrak Web Store is getting a makeover. This new mobile-friendly design will simplify end-user experience when making payments from any device. Visit the Web Store through any web browser on the device of your choosing – it’s that easy. In addition to the responsive design, the following features have been added:

District 205 continues its professional development time for the purpose of school improvement planning throughout the year. Certified staff and administrators will be using this time to collaboratively review student data, discuss professional growth topics, problem solve, share best practices and continue the work of building a Professional Learning Community. The next all-district Student Late Arrival Day is Wednesday, April 19. The final district-wide Student Late Arrival date for 2016-17 will be Wednesday, May 17.

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Posted by: Katherine Schroeder, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Last fall, the York Distinguished Alumni Program (YDAP) recognized and honored seven Dukes of Distinction for 2016, alumni who have distinguished themselves through significant and extraordinary accomplishments or through service and an outstanding contribution to society. The nomination deadline for 2017 is April 30. Nominations may be completed online at www.elmhurst205.org/17Nomination. For further information, please visit the YDAP pageor contact District 205 Director of Communications Melea Smith (msmith@elmhurst205.org) or Administrative Assistant Debbie Hollstein (dhollstein@elmhurst205.org) in the Office of Communications/Alumni Relations at 630-941-4719.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

The Elmhurst District 205 Summer Instrumental Music Program offers an exciting opportunity for all current 4th -8th grade band and orchestra students and 6th – 8th grade choir students to continue with instrumental music instruction in June and July. Regular practice during the summer months is critically important for band and orchestra students to reinforce the concepts and skills that they have learned and practiced during the school year. Moreover, learning and playing music is an activity that should be enjoyed year ‘round.

The Summer Instrumental Music Program will run from June 12 through July 14. (No class on July 3 or 4.)

The registration fee is $92.00. The registration fee includes a Summer Instrumental Program T shirt.

Rehearsals for current elementary band and orchestra students (incoming 5th and 6th graders) will be held Monday through Thursday mornings at Bryan Middle School. Each rehearsal is one hour. There will be a rehearsal on FRIDAY, July 7th (in place of the July 3rd holiday). The final performances will be on FRIDAY, morning, July 14.

Rehearsals for current middle school band and orchestra students (incoming 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students) will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at York High School. There will be a rehearsal on FRIDAY, July 7th (in place of the July 4th holiday). Middle School Summer Band and Orchestra students may also participate in Jazz Band. The final performance will be on THURSDAY, July 13th.

NEW this year, current middle school choir students (incoming 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students) may participate in the summer choir at York High School on Monday and Wednesday evenings (No Class on Monday, July 3rd). Middle school students who register for summer band or orchestra may also enroll in choir at no additional cost. The final performance will be on THURSDAY, July 13th.

The District 205 Summer Instrumental Program is designed to accommodate students who go on vacation and/or participate in other summer activities. Students who can only attend part of the summer program are still strongly encouraged to register and attend whenever they can! Students who practice their instruments during the summer are much more likely to experience continued success in band and orchestra. We strongly encourage your son or daughter to participate as much as he/she is able!

Design the front of the t-shirt for the 2nd Annual Annie LeGere "To The Moon and Back" 4K Walk (not run) on April 22, 2017 at Sandburg Middle School.

Winner's initials will be displayed on the t-shirt! Please put your name and phone number on the back of you design and submit to the principal's office, C110 by March 23. Please keep in mind the lettering on the t-shirts will be pink and white.

With spring just around the corner, spring testing is also here. We wanted to send out information about the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) and the SAT to keep our families informed.

On Monday, a Talk205 referenced the state-mandated Illinois Science Assessment that will be given to all biology students at York. This test will be given on Monday, March 20th, and it takes about 25-30 minutes. Since it will be taken in class, nothing additional needs to be done in advance of this test. We just ask that all biology students bring their fully charged chromebook to class on March 20th, and as soon as the test is completed, our biology teachers will resume class; therefore, students should have their materials for class ready to go.

On Wednesday, April 5th, York Community High School will be administering the SAT with writing to all juniors published by the CollegeBoard. The Illinois School Board of Education requires that this test is administered to all currently enrolled juniors and is required to graduate in the State of Illinois: it has been paid for through the District,​ and nothing additional needs to be completed in order to register your junior students. It is important that students are in their testing rooms, ready to test at 7:40. Once testing begins, students will not be able to enter the testing area, and they will be required to take the exam on the make-up testing day at the end of April.

Before the April 5th test, York’s Counseling Department will be holding a pre-administration session with all junior students on Wednesday, March 22nd during 2nd period. During this session, students will bubble in portions of their answer booklets with their student information, and they will be given the opportunity to indicate 4 colleges to which they can send their SAT scores at no charge. We strongly encourage families to discuss this prior to March 22nd, so students are able to take advantage of this free service. SAT charges $12 per score to send to each college. We also encourage families to keep a list of these colleges so that the student can reference them in the fall of the senior year. Click here for considerations when deciding to report a score.

April 5th is a half day for students, but it is NOT a late arrival day​: we will begin testing at 7:40 am, and students at all three grade levels, as well as students at the District 205 Transition Center will be dismissed at the conclusion of their exam at approximately 12:20.​ Since Seniors have a non attendance day, w​e encourage seniors to spend this day visiting a college, university, or other post secondary program.

While the junior students are testing on April 5th, our freshman and sophomore students will be participating in a career/college day. Students will begin by reflecting on their future goals and what steps they are currently taking to achieve those goals, followed by a keynote speaker that will speak with students about what it means to be college, career, and life ready before leaving high school. Students will also attend sessions with college counselors, representatives from the military, representatives from local trades, and a career fair created by York’s Counseling Department with assistance from Academic Boosters, a committee of York’s PTSA. Freshman and Sophomores will be asked to complete several google form surveys, so they will need to bring one of two things with them: if students have a smartphone with available data, they can complete the google form surveys on their smartphones; otherwise, students should bring a fully charged chromebook to take these surveys.

All bus routes will run at normal times in the morning, and will depart from York at 12:30 following the exams. A late bus will leave York at 6:15 after athletic practices; however, please note that there will NOT be a 4:30 bus on the 5th. Breakfast will be available for purchase before school, but there will be no lunch service on this testing day. Students testing with extended time will complete their exams on the following day.

Junior students will receive an email with their individual testing room assignment for the day and instructions regarding what to bring to the test (i.e. number 2 pencils, calculator, snack etc.). Please help your student keep an eye out for this email and ask your student if they know their testing room assignment.

Thank you in advance for helping our students navigate spring testing, and we are looking forward to a strong finish as we enter the final stretch of the school year.

A dozen York Community High School students shone at the DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) state meet, held on March 9-11 at at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont. York Business Department Chair Jim Borel serves as their coach.

Chris Foster and Allison Evans competed in Automotive Services Marketing; Chris Irby competed in Hotel and Lodging Marketing; Blake Quarrie competed in Accounting Applications; Maria Flynn and Demetri Broches competed in the Financial Analysis Team event; Alex Hennessy and Grace Que placed in the top ten in the Financial Analysis Team event; Matt Anderson and Jason Kentra finished in 4th place in the Financial Analysis Team event; and Burke Corcoran and Kevin Lipkin finished in 1st place and won the Financial Analysis Team event.

Matt Anderson, Jason Kentra, Burke Cocoran and Kevin Lipkin all qualified to participate in the DECA International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, California at the end of April. There were over 1,000 students participating in the state DECA conference and there will be over 20,000 students in Anaheim, California.

York Community High School DECA students at the March 9-11, 2017 state competition with Coach Jim Borel. The students are: front row from left - Matt Anderson, Blake Quarrie, Grace Que, Maria Flynn, Alex Hennessy, Allison Evans, and back row from left - Kevin Lipkin, Burke Corcoran, Demetri Broches, Chris Irby, Jason Kentra and Chris Foster.

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Posted by: Katherine Schroeder, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

The testing window for the spring 2017 administration of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessment in District 205 will begin on Monday, April 3 and continue through Friday, April 28. These state-required achievement tests in reading and mathematics are being given to all eligible students in grades 3 – 8. Your child’s school will share more specific information about when students will be tested within this window.

In addition to the PARCC assessment, state and federal regulations require each school to assess achievement in science for students in 5th grade, 8th grade and high school biology. The Illinois Science Assessment will be administered in each school between Monday, March 13 and Friday, March 24. This assessment is approximately one hour in length and is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards for Science.

We anticipate being able to share score reports in the fall. The complete results of these state tests will be also reported on the Illinois School Report Card in the fall. We will review state tests results, along with other information to help us improve our school program. If you have any questions about the administration of these assessments, please contact your child’s principal.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Congratulations to the following students who have qualified and will be competing at the State SkillsUSA Competition and Leadership Conference, April 27-29, 2017 in Springfield. 38 students have qualified for this state level competition! The largest ever!

We are excited to host a St. Baldrick's event this year at York. The St. Baldrick's Foundation helps to support research for childhood cancer. We have staff and students ready to make this event memorable and successful for our school community. Since this is our 1st year holding our event, we have set our fundraising goal at $5000. But we are very hopeful that we will be able to exceed that goal. Our own Mr. Doherty has laid out a challenge of $15,000 to shave his head. I believe those locks are worth every penny! Please take a minute to visit our page and consider donating for this worthy cause! Our event will coincide with a spring pep rally on March 24th where we will be shaving heads of our top money winners and hopefully Mr. Doherty himself! I have faith in our community to come out strong for an amazing cause! If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Joe O'Malley at jomalley@elmhurst205.org or Mr. Drew McGuire at dmcguire@elmhurst205.org.

It is with great excitement that York Community High School presents the most beloved Broadway Musical, West Side Story, on the evenings of April 27- 29, with a matinee performance on Sunday, April 30.

Tickets for West Side Story have sold out.

WAITLIST INFORMATION:

Although tickets are completely sold out we do anticipate some tickets to become available on the days of the shows. We can not anticipate who's plans might change between now and the performances. We will have a Waitlist for each show. Here are the details:

Performances: April 27 28, 29th (7:30 pm Start Time)

Where: York High School - Waitlist Table outside Baker Auditorium. You must come in person to sign in for the waitlist. NO EMAIL REQUESTS

When: Waitlist sign in will start at 6:00pm

Performance: April 30th (2:00 pm Start Time)

Where: York High School - Waitlist Table outside Baker Auditorium. You must come in person to sign in for the waitlist. NO EMAIL REQUESTS

When: Waitlist sign in will start at 12:30pm

All waitlist tickets will be given on a first come first serve basis. Our goal is to seat as many patrons as possible for each show.

"Starring a cast of 72 and an orchestra of 28, with an incredible technical crew, this is a musical not to be missed. Staying true to the original choreography of Jerome Robbins and honoring the struggles of New York City, West Side Story is a true inspiration," said Director Rebecca Marianetti.

The York High School Key Club is again sponsoring a “Soles for Kids” shoe drive and is asking for your support and assistance with this endeavor. Through the generosity of District 205 families, they have successfully collected over 8,000 pairs of shoes over the past six years. The drive will begin on Monday, March 6th and conclude on Friday, May 12th. Look for collection bins in our school foyers. Soles for Kids is a charity organization that collects gently used shoes and sends them to needy children and adults in Africa, as well as to Indian Reservations in the United States.

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Posted by: Katherine Schroeder, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

At its February 28 meeting, the Board of Education approved the 2017-18 school year calendar, which includes parent-teacher conference dates/times; student late arrival dates/times; and quarter/trimesters/semesters. It is posted at www.elmhurst205.org/events_calendar.

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Posted by: Melea Smith, District Admin, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

Students are invited to attend the third annual Teen Job & Volunteer Fair, sponsored by the Elmhurst Commission on Youth and its partnering agencies – District 205, the Elmhurst Park District, Elmhurst Public Library, YMCA, Elmhurst Junior Women’s Club and the Kiwanis of Elmhurst. The Fair will be held in the York High School Commons, 355 E. St. Charles Road, on Thursday, March 23 from 3 to 6 PM. Students need not register to attend the Fair. Participating organizations can be included in the program book by registering online by Wednesday, March 2: http://elmlib.org/teenjobfair.

Per the Illinois Department of Public Health, any child entering the 12th grade shall show proof of having received 2 doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine prior to entering the 12th grade. The first dose shall have been received on or after the 10th birthday and the 2nd dose shall have been received on or after their 16th birthday, at least eight weeks after the first dose. If the first dose is administered when the child is 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required. This requirement also applies to children who transfer into Illiniois schools from other states or countries.

During your child’s junior year, please discuss with your doctor if your student has received the two meningococcal conjugate vaccinations. Your student may have already received the two doses of the meningococcal conjugate vaccination, but it has not been specified on their immunization form. If they have NOT received both doses, you are required to get this vaccination for your child. The Dr. must provide the dates they were given, along with a doctor’s signature. You must provide the required proof of immunization to the York High School Health Office by May 15th, 2017 . Without proof of this vaccination, your child will be excluded from school in the fall of 2017, as described in the school code of Illinois and per Elmhurst District 205 procedure. Exclusion from school means that your child will not be able to attend any classes or participate in any athletic or extra-curricular activities until the required proof of vaccination is provided.

Please download the letter below to have your physician's office complete the immunization documentation record and return it to York HS Health Office by May 15, 2017.

With spring on our doorstep, it’s time to begin to think about the spring SAT to be delivered at York on Wednesday, April 5th, beginning at 7:40 AM. In a few weeks, we will be sending out an email to families with testing day reminders, dismissal times and bus schedules; however, we wanted to give an early reminder for families as they plan their spring calendars. On April 5th, senior students are not in attendance, and all juniors will be taking the SAT. All currently enrolled juniors have been registered for the test, and there is no additional fee. While juniors are taking the SAT, our sophomores and freshmen will be participating in a career day that will include a keynote speaker, career fair, and several sessions throughout the day. We hope this advance notice helps with your planning, and please keep an eye out for our detailed email mid-March.

As we welcome your child to York High School in the fall, we want to take this opportunity to explain the health requirements for incoming freshman students. Illinois State law requires that all incoming freshmen have an updated physical examination and proof of receiving all required immunizations on file. The physical examination must be on either the state-approved certificate of health form; the approved form provided by some physicians’ offices; or on the form found on the district website, www.elmhurst205.org. Please note that the IHSA Sports Physical form is not acceptable for entry into 9th grade.

In order for your child to be in compliance with the physical examination and immunization requirements, the following MUST be completed as directed:
● All required immunizations must be documented on the front or first page of the form. The immunization chart must be filled in with correct dates and signed and dated by a physician, RN, or Medical Assistant.
● The child’s Health History questions (yes/no questions at the top of the second page) must be completed, signed, and dated by the parent/guardian.
● The Physical Examination is to be completed, signed, and dated by the physician. Please make sure that the physician has checked the boxes at the bottom of this page indicating whether or not your child can participate in physical education and interscholastic sports.

Please note: Incomplete examination forms and incomplete immunization records will be returned to you for completion. Your child will not be compliant with Illinois State Law until the necessary documentation is on file. The completed physical form must be on file in the York Health Services Office by the 1st day of school. Students who do not have a completed 9th grade physical and immunization record on file by the first day of school, will be placed on a list for possible exclusion. District 205 will exclude students from school according to state law, at the minimum date set forth by the Illinois State Board of Education. Once the student is excluded, the student will not be allowed to attend school, or participate in or attend any school functions, including athletic or extracurricular activities, until the required physical examination and immunization documentation is received in the Health Services Office.

Please submit completed physicals to the York High School Health Services Office. They may be mailed, brought into the Health Services Office, or faxed only to (630)-782-6594. During summer break, health records can be turned in at the York Main Office. Do not turn the form in to summer school staff, counselors, hall monitors or coaches. Please keep a copy for your records.

Students who do not have access to a health care provider may contact the DuPage County All Kids Program at (630)-782-7400.

If you have any questions please call the Health Services Office at (630)-617-2438.

Below are the dates in which eighth grade parochial students, who are residents of District 205, may shadow a current York student for the entire school day. We will allow up to 30 students per date on a first come, first served basis. Students will be assigned to shadow a York Ambassador. Ambassadors are trained to host students and acquaint them with many aspects of York High School. To request that your child can attend one of the dates, please click the link to sign up.